Roof blows off in strong winds

Residents of the Old Hostel complex were forced to move out of their homes after the heavy rains and strong winds of Tuesday evening, 10 November.

Eloi Ramonnye says he and his fellow housemates were in their rooms around 19:00 when they suddenly heard a loud bang on their roof. Their power went off and they heard people screaming. They rushed out to see what had happened and saw the roof had blown off the rooms behind theirs. A portion of it had blown onto their roof. Eloi and other residents hastily began to help their fellow community members move their furniture to nearby homes.

Disaster management officials came later that evening and provided salvage sheets so they could cover the rest of their furniture.

Since the incident, various officials have attended the scene, but some rooms are still without electricity.

Eloi says his African-cuisine enterprise has ground to a halt as there is no electricity to store and keep the food fresh or cook the meals. The business is his source of income. He and his housemates have to go to nearby homes and ask to use their electricity.

Tebogo Tobie, an affected resident, says he was frightened and felt helpless when the roof blew onto theirs. He says his housemate had recently moved out as he feared for his safety because the part of the roof that fell on his side of the house was still there.

Tebogo is most concerned about those whose businesses and livelihoods have been negatively impacted.

According to Eloi and Tebogo, some affected residents are currently staying in rented rooms in various parts of Ikageng.

At least five rooms were left open with rubble on the floor. More than a week later, the corrugated sheets were removed and placed on the floor, according to a resident.

William Maphosa, the municipal spokesperson, confirms that disaster management centre officials were at the scene to assist the residents. He says their human settlement and planning department has been consulting with municipal insurers and is busy appointing contractors who will start repairing the properties.

“Furthermore, Sassa (SA Social Services Agency) was informed to conduct their assessment and determine whether the victims qualify for relief under the Social Relief of Emergency Distress Grant,” said Maphosa.