FLOODED

The past winter was cold and everyone agreed that they wouldn’t mind some heat.
Last week’s rain proved to be too much as many people were left without a place to sleep.
It began raining after a hot morning, and within the space of 15 minutes, water was everywhere.
“I was at work when it began raining and all I could think about was my children who were home alone,” a resident said.
When the rain finally stopped, everyone was thinking of their homes in Sakhile.
A number of people were affected, streets were flooded and getting home was difficult.
Ms Jane Shabangu (60) from Ext 6 did not have a place to sleep, had to clean the house, take the water out and find a way of drying her blankets.
She carried her grandchild outside and did what she had to.
“My house is flooded and I don’t know where I am going to sleep because my bed and blankets are wet,” Ms Shabangu said.
Some people wished they had RDP housing, but those with RDP houses also complained, as they were flooded.
According to Ms Shabangu, she was promised that she will get a RDP house soon, but until today stays in a shack.
The streets in the area were difficult to use due to the water.
“The reason we are flooded is because the municipality did not open up trenches.
“Every time after heavy rain we have to suffer because there are no trenches to take the water away from our houses,” an angry local said.
Another resident, Mr Siphiwe Hlongwane, stays in a RDP in Ext 6 and complained the house is always wet.

“When it rains, the water penetrates the foundation and the whole house ends up wet.

“This house can fall anytime because of the water that is forming on the foundation,” he said.

According to Mr Hlongwane, they have reported the matter to the ward councillor a number of times and he has not helped them.
“All we ask is that they at least open up trenches to direct the water away from our houses,” Mr Hlongwane said.
“They need to fix this place because this water comes from the road and we are downhill so the water comes to our yards and flood our houses.
“And only the municipality can help us by opening trenches,” Ms Anna Nhlapho, a local said.
According to Mr Sipho Mkwanazi, spokesman of the Lekwa Municipality, the municipality has appointed a consultant who will design the storm water project.

The mayor consulted the community during November where issues like these were raised by locals.
“Where incidents were reported, the municipality went to help immediately,” he said.
“Resident are requested to contact the call centre with any problems so the municipality can give attention to it immediately.”