Residents in Kayamandi, Stellenbosch, say they have not received housing assistance since heavy rainfall and severe flooding destroyed their homes in April. Previously, SMF News reported that Kayamandi residents had lost their homes and belongings in the storm. Left with no options, some residents have had to repair their damaged homes out of their own pockets.
Residents say that, months after floods destroyed some shelters in Kayamandi in April, many still have not received housing assistance. PHOTO: Nomndeni Ndlovu
Simbonile Dinwa, a resident of Kayamandi, had to buy materials to build a small wall inside his house to prevent rain from coming in. He recalled how the floods in April swept away his belongings, including couches and a stove.
Dinwa said that municipal officials recorded his name for housing assistance in the same month the floods happened. “They said they would come back but they never did. We were hesitant to ask people about the housing assistance application and how it went,” he said.
Simbonile Dinwa, a resident of Kayamandi, is still waiting for assistance from the Stellenbosch Municipality after his home was destroyed by the heavy rainfall and floods in April. PHOTO: Nomndeni Ndlovu
Dinwa added that affected residents were promised by the municipality that they would be given building materials to rebuild their homes or that they would be moved to a different area. These promises have not materialised, he said.
However, Stuart Grobbelaar, Stellenbosch Municipality’s communications manager, said, a resident’s details being recorded for municipal assistance does not guarantee approval for relocation or a new house.
“The municipality is aware of the ongoing concerns and continues to engage where assistance is required. It is also important to clarify that housing is primarily a national government competency, with funding for housing developments allocated through the relevant provincial and national programmes,” Grobbelaar said.
“Residents in flood-prone areas are urged to remain vigilant, follow official weather and municipal updates and report emergencies or infrastructure issues through the municipality’s established channels,” he added.
Residents can reach the municipality on their 24-hour control room, WhatsApp Service Line, Social Media, Ward Councillors, Ward Offices, email lines and phone lines, he said.
The municipality is monitoring conditions closely and remains in contact with disaster management structures should there be heavy rainfall and flooding.
Luntu Sigcau, a resident of Kayamandi, says his two houses and electricity meter box were destroyed during the heavy rainfall fall and floods in April. PHOTO: Nomndeni Ndlovu
Luntu Sigcau, a resident of Kayamandi, whose two houses were destroyed by heavy rainfall alongside his electricity meter, said the municipality referred him to disaster management offices for assistance in the same month – only to be turned away.
“They told us that they do not deal with electricity,” he said.
Residents seeking repair for their electricity meters destroyed by the heavy rainfall should contact the municipality’s infrastructure offices, according to Grobbelaar.