Families destitute as storm destroys homes

A severe storm that swept across Pretoria on Tuesday night left widespread damage in its wake for the community of New Eersterus, blowing off roofs and leaving some homes uninhabitable.

Families in the Hammanskraal area were left to pick up the pieces after the violent storm had passed. At least 100 houses were affected – with 31 being seriously damaged – and residents lost their belongings.

Resident Merriam Pholoba said she was asleep in her home when she suddenly felt rain drops on her face.

“When I looked up, I saw that the roof sheets were all gone. Shocked, I took my child and we hid under the bed for cover until the storm passed.

“The rain had destroyed the main four-room house, the additional two rooms outside and a toilet. We now have to ask neighbours to use their bathroom.”

Pholoba said the family had to build a shack using roof sheets not destroyed by the storm.

“I have lost everything. I’m unemployed and I don’t know what I will do to rebuild my home. We had to build a two-room shack to only have a place to sleep. I have to share it with my three children, one of whom is pregnant.”

Louisa Nkoana’s five-room house was also destroyed and she also had to build an emergency one-room shelter for her family.

“This rain ruined everything. It washed away my important documents including my ID, my furniture, children’s school books and food. My five-room house is gone. The pain is unbearable.”

Junior Mogale, who is pregnant, decided to demolish part of her damaged house as she feared that it would collapse on her while she was asleep.

“Everything is ruined. I have nothing. I am alone and pregnant,” she said.

“I’m standing in the rain, trying to cook because I need to eat. When this happened, I cried until I stopped. This house was left for me by my late mother. I’m unemployed, how will I rebuild it?”

Local ward councillor Aaron Maluleka said more than 100 families needed to be relocated.