“Don’t live in flood line areas,” warns GMM
Some residents fled their shacks when the nearby river overflowed last week.
eMBALENHLE – People living in the informal settlement at Ext 18 known as Wellas, were nearly washed away after heavy rainfall in the past weeks.
These people are living in the flood line area of the river which places their lives in danger, especially when it rains.
“We began to occupy this area because our councillors don’t care about us,” said Mr Boy Mzumbe.
“We cannot afford to rent rooms. We are also too old to stay with our parents. That is why we risk our lives to live here,” he explained.
Mr Mzumbe lives in a one-room shack.
Some residents fled their shacks when the nearby river overflowed last week.
Govan Mbeki Municipality warned locals not to occupy flood line areas because it is dangerous. The municipality said they understand that residents are desperate for building sites, but that does not give them the right to occupy any land.
“As it is now, they built in the flood line area which is a risk to them,” said Mr Donald Green, acting head of communication.
Mr Green urged residents to refrain from occupying land illegally and building their houses near rivers.
“This is dangerous and people could lose their lives,” said Mr Green.
