Shattered families given storm relief

Three weeks after the hailstorm that destroyed many homes in Newcastle, residents are still picking up the pieces.
The storm left a trail of destruction, damaging roofs, windows and cars.

Although areas including Ncandu Park and Pioneer Park were affected, Ward Three Councillor, Matthew Shunmugam said upon inspection, his area of jurisdiction was the worst hit.

This necessitated ‘swift and prompt response’, to alleviate the challenges faced by the destitute and elderly.

Supported by members of the community, a Hail Damage Storm Task Team was formed and has already received assistance from businesses and individuals, in the form of supplies with which to rebuild and repair.

The team is comprised of Cllr Shunmugam, Neil Sooknanan, Meneshree Pillay and Abdul Peerbay.

“The restoration and repair work started with the provision of 200 plastic sheets, 200 blankets and 200 mattresses from the Al-Imdaad Foundation, led by Abed Karrim and his team, which is based in Estcourt,” says Cllr Shunmugam.

After hearing about the hail damage, former Newcastillian, Raj Govender, whose glass company is now based in Gauteng, generously donated two consignments of glass and dispatched five glaziers, free of charge.

“Each consignment contains 60 sheets of glass, which will be measured and taken on-site for fitment.”

Apartments of the Municipal Flats on Centre Street in Lennoxton, were the first to receive attention, and Cllr Shunmugam explains this was done to avoid leaving residents vulnerable to the criminal element.

“A total of 1 124 glasses were reported broken at the Municipal Flats alone. The ground floor took priority because some of the residents are elderly and destitute. The workers will subsequently proceed to affected houses in Paradise, in Ward 25. Thereafter, the damaged house windows in Fernwood will be attended to,” he added.

Cllr Shunmugam says residents who do not have insurance cover may benefit, depending on the availability of glass.

“Eight local residents are employed to execute the tasks of the removal of putty and broken window panes at the Suryaville Municipal Flats and are also receiving on-site training from the glaziers from Gauteng.”

Cllr Shunmugam believes this has positively impacted the employed residents, as they now have the opportunity to continue to use their skills in the future.

“It is an excellent opportunity for skills transfer for our youth.”

The logistics behind this mammoth operation is still a challenge for the task team, as accommodation, meals and transport are needed for the glaziers from Gauteng.

“A local establishment has generously offered to accommodate the workers. However, overhead costs and tools such as special glass pliers are required for operations to continue; these are some of the many hurdles we are facing.”

Cllr Shunmugam expresses his gratitude for the many donors who have generously assisted the project in various ways, particularly with the provision of meals, resources and equipment.

“The Task Team thanks Moshin Ameen of Favourites Office National and Ronnie Naidoo of ITEC for the provision of grocery hampers to the destitute.”

An official Destitute Relief Fund has been established.

Any person or business wishing to contribute to efforts can contact Matthew Shunmugam (082 807 8919), Neil Sooknanan (078 935 5730) or Meneshree Pillay (083 756 6513).

ALSO READ: Morning light reveals aftermath of devastating hailstorm

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