Hundreds flee homes as floods hit informal settlement

Residents of Ulana informal settlement found themselves in trouble when the heavy downpour resulted in their low-lying informal homes being flooded.

According to one of the community leaders, Callman Morena, residents had to flee their homes when the flood engulfed the shacks.

Water caused some structures to collapse and the flood water swept away residents’ personal belongings.

Morena stated that residents, including children, were awakened by the water coming inside their homes at about 11pm, before they ran to the higher ground.

“Others tried to save whatever they could but unfortunately some things were completely destroyed and swept away.

“Others were, however, too scared and didn’t manage to take anything.

“It’s a dangerous thing living here, because we don’t know what will happen next time when the rain comes,” said Morena.

The affected families were on Monday night taken to the community hall, located on higher ground near the affected area.

“Even those who were not severely affected did not sleep last night, having to watch how far the water level reached,” added Morena.

When the Advertiser visited the area on Tuesday, scores of people were found searching for the remains of their belongings, clothing, furniture, food and even important documents that went flooded.

Morena mentioned that the area has seen a number of floods in the past.

“Early in November government officials visited us and promised to provide assistance within seven days, but nothing came from it.

“We have been waiting in vain for immediate alternative land to relocate to for almost a month now,” said Morena.

Meanwhile 10 families were also displaced when a tree fell on their shacks in the nearby Jerusalem informal settlement.

The metro admitted that it is aware of the problems caused by the heavy rain.

“We are going to be relocating the families who live in the low-lying area in Ulana to nearby council-owned land,” said MMC for human settlements, Clr Lesiba Mpya in a media statement.

“This is a temporary gesture but it is better than risking losing lives in the process.

“With regards to the Jerusalem situation, we have organised a service provider to remove the tree and help rebuild the structures immediately.”

The process of relocating the affected residents was expected to start on Wednesday after data of the deserving families had been compiled by municipal authorities and the community leaders in Ulana.

The metro has also provided emergency relief in the form of food and blankets to those affected. -@FanieFLK