Cape Town in a frenzy to fix storm damage

THE City of Cape Town is in a mad scramble to attend to thousands of complaints received in the aftermath of the devastating storm that hit the city last week.

The city has received close to 11 000 complaints from residents on storm damage hotlines. Most of the 10 967 complaints related to power outages and roofs that were blown off.

The city said it was working around the clock to restore the power in some areas.

Disaster risk management spokesperson Charlotte Powell said the city’s Informal Housing Department was assisting many communities.

“They are receiving meals, food parcels, blankets and clothing. We are still busy removing uprooted trees in a number of areas. The city’s Electricity Services Department has also been attending to power lines downed by the storm,” Powell said.

Resident André Weber said a tree that was uprooted and damaged his fence and vehicles in Ottery was removed in a day. He said four other trees uprooted in his neighbourhood, were also removed the same day.

Power outages were also restored at Steenberg police station and the Camps Bay law enforcement office.

Premier Helen Zille extended her gratitude to all who assisted during the storm in Cape Town and the fires in Knysna, which saw the evacuation of about 10 000 people.

“What we saw was an unprecedented natural disaster that required an unprecedented response. While we are saddened by the loss of life, we commend the brave efforts of the men and women who consistently show up for duty and put their lives on the line for our safety.

“Our responsibility is to stand with the communities of Knysna and surrounding areas to rebuild for the future,” Zille said.