Flood damage in Nkobongo

"The water even got into the fridge! My food was covered with mud."

December 10, 2015

Sboniso Dlamini 1 minute read

Buhle Xulu cleaning the mud from her home.

Numerous homes in Nkobongo were knee-deep in water on Wednesday after the heavy rains on Tuesday night caused the township’s stream to overflow its banks.

Two wooden foot bridges over the Nkobongo stream, a subsidiary of the Mhlali River, were swept away and resident’s food, clothes and furniture were damaged.

The wooden bridge that was swept away. — The wooden foot bridge that was swept away.

Wednesday was a morning for unplanned ‘spring cleaning’ as residents were seen clearing the sand and mud from their homes and furniture was stacked outside to dry.

May Msweli, who owns a house next to the stream, said it was a frightening experience to see the stream overflow into their homes.

“I was coming from Shakaskraal and I could not believe my eyes when I arrived at my home. My furniture is damaged and the fence around my house collapsed,” said Msweli.

The fence at May Msweli's house was damaged. — The fence at May Msweli’s house was damaged.

May Msweli busy trying to clean his yard.

Silindile Xulu said they were walking knee-deep in water in their house.

“The water even got into the fridge! My food was covered with mud. I have never seen something like this happen before,” said Xulu.

Food was covered in mud when the water flowed into Silindile Xulu's fridge. — Food was covered in mud when the water flowed into Silindile Xulu’s fridge.

Councillor Themba Ntuli said he had reported the matter to the KwaDukuza municipality disaster team and has asked them to assess the extent of the damage.