Muddyvale residents live in fear after heavy rain

With the recent heavy rains on the coast, residents of Muddyvale in Merlewood say they continue to live in fear, as their homes are easily damaged by flooding and leaking roofs.

The residents said after the damage caused by the floods in 2022, they no longer feel safe in their homes, and are concerned that the walls could collapse, as there are no retaining walls to block sand from coming into their homes.

They have been sent from pillar to post, after they questioned whether a retaining wall project will continue after it was stopped some months ago.

Merllisa Robertson, who spoke on behalf of the residents said there has been no clarity on the project since it was stopped, however, after visiting the Ray Nkonyeni Municipality Housing Department in mid-April, she was told that a new contract was to be drawn up by the end of April.

“To date there has been no feedback. Some homes were badly affected by the previous floods. The residents had to throw out damaged furniture which they cannot replace,” Roberts added.

She said people are scared that they will suffer further damage.

With the recent rains, a few yards were flooded, and one house was waterlogged.

Andrea Williams, a resident who dug a trench on the side of her home for the water to flow out of her yard, said the trench filled up.

“I had to dig the trench myself during the previous floods. The stagnant water also started giving off a smell. My child got sick with a chest infection,” said Williams.

She said they are fed up and request that the contractor be brought back to complete the project.

Another resident, Monica Shazi said a recent weather warning also created anxiety for her and her 87-year-old mother who has to wake up in the middle of the night, to help her remove water from the house, every time it rains.

She called on the municipality and stakeholders involved, to take immediate action.

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