Dams of Delinquency: Land Reform Department Faces Legal Action After Riverlands Flood Probe

In an uncovering that sheds light on the accountability of the Riverlands' catastrophic floods, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has pinpointed the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development (DLRRD) as the owner of five, not just four, dams involved in the town's deluge. The probe's findings, discussed at Riverlands Primary School, outlined the DLRRD's glaring oversight in their due diligence of the dam structures, leading to a breach under heavy August rains that ripped through the community, causing unprecedented damage.

Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina highlighted the stark negligence of the DLRRD in safeguarding against such a disaster. Mandatory registrations with the Dam Safety Office and pertinent water use authorizations were blatantly disregarded, pointing to a disturbing lack of oversight. The revelation of this lapse in responsibility raises the stakes for the DLRRD, now faced with legal proceedings that demand accountability for the repercussions inflicted upon Riverlands' infrastructure and its people.

As Gareth Nero, a young member of the expanded public works programme, symbolically traverses the remnants of a once-intact road, the depth of the community's scars is palpable. The flood, ignited by the collapse of four dams on August 8, 2024, has led to displaced lives and demolished businesses, leaving the town's inhabitants in a state of dire need.

Minister Majodina's announcement underscores the promise of criminal investigations, with restitution and potential financial compensation on the horizon for Riverlands. In addition to the current owners, past proprietors of the property are being scrutinized for their role in the unlawful construction and maintenance of the dams.

In a show of solidarity, Western Cape MEC Wouter Kriel welcomed the investigative outcomes, fueling hope for a just resolution and reparation. The engagement of local residents in a potential class-action lawsuit illustrates the community's persistence in seeking restitution and support for their losses.

Amidst the turmoil, 64 community members have sought solace in temporary shelters, while humanitarian assistance has been extended by the Gift of the Givers, supplying a crucial lifeline of water.

Meanwhile, the DLRRD, through its communications head Linda Page, recognizes the gravity of the situation and the comments of the DWS minister, signaling a forthcoming statement in due course.

The stakes have never been higher for the Riverlands community, as the battle for accountability and compensation unfolds in the wake of an avoidable catastrophe.