Emergency Interventions for Dam Collapse Victims in Swartland Municipality

In the aftermath of the recent Swartland Municipality dam collapse, Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has moved swiftly, dispatching an emergency housing team to the Western Cape. The team's mission is to provide urgent support for the families tragically displaced by floodwaters.

The Minister highlighted the department's commitment to four categories of intervention: restoration, relocation, rebuilding, and repairs. Immediately, a clear directive has been issued to ensure that emergency accommodation is available, with a strong emphasis on safeguarding the most vulnerable groups within the affected population.

These critical response measures come as the region is still recovering from another disaster that similarly uprooted many residents, leaving a trail of homelessness in its wake. Some of those impacted by last week's calamity in Riverlands have found temporary sanctuary in local community centers such as the Riverlands Community Bakery Centre and the Riverlands Church.

Complications have arisen, as around 100 individuals have shown a reluctance to leave for safer grounds due to concerns about their livestock. The Minister underlined the responsiveness of her team to address such unique contingencies, ensuring that concerns are heard and accommodated.

The involvement of the National Home Builders’ Registration Council (NHBRC) is a critical component in assessing the structural integrity of damaged homes, a task set to commence once water levels recede. The swift response has been complemented by commendable efforts from NGOs already providing on-the-ground assistance to those in need.

In parallel to these efforts, Minister Kubayi has been advocating for transparency and integrity in the allocation of houses and the overall delivery of housing programs. Recent discussions on Power FM's breakfast show underscored the significance of a digitized registry, a move set to revolutionize operations and bolster trust within the human settlements sector.

With over R31 billion allocated for housing needs in the current financial year, Kubayi reinforced the commitment to ensuring every cent is judiciously expended to uplift the poorest and most vulnerable segments of society.

The outreach on Power FM, set against the backdrop of Women’s Month celebrations, also served as an interactive platform for the Minister to hear directly from citizens. Their feedback centered on topics such as government's approach to land invasions, accuracy in BNG house allocations, and the need to address stalled projects—all challenges Kubayi recognized and is keen to tackle head-on.