Families finally get their homes
Long wait to have storm-damaged houses rebuilt ends
A10-YEAR wait for the Buffalo City Metro and the provincial department of human settlements to rebuild stormdamaged houses is finally over.
Authorities were meant to reconstruct 988 homes for families affected by violent storms. Finally, 728 of these homes have been completed.
A report tabled to council this week noted the progress made since the department of human settlements made available R94-million for the reconstruction project.
BCM mayor Zukiswa Ncitha said the process of reconstructing the houses in Dimbaza, Newlands and Peelton and other affected townships had been a long one, but the results were now there to see.
The houses were damaged in storms between 1998 and 2003.
In March last year, the construction of 728 homes was launched and finished in June this year.
It was not clear as to when the remaining 260 houses would be completed as the metro was still finalising the contract.
“We are progressing well in our endeavour to restore the dignity of our people who were victims of the storms. This project benefits 16 wards and 69 villages, which were classified as priority,” Ncitha said.
When asked when the department would respond to the recent vicious storm, which left hundreds of families without roofs over their heads two weeks ago, human settlements spokesman Lwandile Sicwetsha said they were waiting for the metro to request funding after providing all the details of the damage.
The Dispatch reported how the storm tore through King William's Town villages and Mdantsane, injuring two people who were admitted to Grey Hospital.
A King William’s Town woman, Nomvume Sidwa was injured after her house collapsed.
The 54-year-old mother of three from Mtyolo village said she was traumatised after her family was left homeless.
“We were preparing supper when we heard the howling sound of the wind. We were so startled we decided to gather in one room and let the wind pass,” said Sidwa.
“Little did we know that it would not pass before leaving us beneath the rubble of our home.”
She and 30-year-old daughter Nombongo Makaya and two-yearold grandchild, Ayabuka Makaya were admitted to Grey Hospital, but Ayabuka and Nombongo were released the following day.
After four days, Sidwa was moved to Frere Hospital and she has been there ever since.
Frere Hospital CEO Dr Rolene Wagner, confirmed that Sidwa had a fractured pelvis and a fracture to her lower fifth lumbar vertebra. — mamelag@dispatch.