Mandlazini families forced to abandon homes

AT LEAST five Mandlazini families have been forced to finally abandon their homes owing to the damage caused by flash floods that hit Richards Bay four months ago.

The houses, on the edge of Mzingazi Lake, remain surrounded by waist deep water after the lake overflowed during the heavy rains. 

Now all that remains are shells of the structures with no doors, windows or roofs. 

ALSO READ: ‘The crocodiles have come out to hunt in our flooded homesteads’

One homeowner, Eric Gumede (50), said he had lost most of his possessions.

‘Some of us are renting rooms nearby, but it’s tough because we have children and there’s not enough space.

‘We lost a lot and now have to admit that there’s no getting it back,’ he said. 

The residents living near the lake said their desperation for housing in a safe area had placed them there. 

‘We are here because we don’t have anywhere else to go. We need housing and a proper place to build our homes,’ said one crestfallen resident.

Ward 4 Councillor Praisegod Zondo said residents were warned about building on the floodline. 

‘People started building there during the drought when the area was dry, but they were warned. There’s little chance of draining out the water.’

He said after the flash floods, the families were assisted with blankets and temporary shelter. 

‘Some families have since moved in with relatives and others are renting,’ Zondo said.

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