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Damage from an Eastern Cape Storm.
Dozens of people in Shukunxa outside Qumbu in the Eastern Cape are living in appalling conditions after a storm wreaked havoc there earlier this year.
119 homesteads were damaged and 36 homes were completely destroyed leaving many homeless.
93-year-old Nomqakatho Gwadiso lives in a decaying shack.
Her relative, Nofezile Dinana says she is one of many residents who are pinning their hopes on government for housing.
“I built a shack for her. We used old material to build it because we don’t have money. Now she has been living in this shack, we haven’t seen any assistance since the disaster.”
Nosakhumzi Sinonto lost her house. She says rebuilding seems impossible as many are unemployed.
Another victim, Zanele Nojoko says they received food parcels but their main concern is shelter.
“We were given groceries but we just wonder where we are going to stay with that food.”
Ward Councilor Siphenkosi Hlathi says this area is prone to disaster,
“Each year we record people who have been affected as many homes are made of mud. We are asking for assistance especially in the case of the elderly woman. Even if a two-roomed house is built for her. We applied for a house but nothing has been done.”
The OR Tambo District Municipality Spokesperson, Ncebakazi Kolwana says they are trying to assist the residents.
“As the district we responded with immediate food relief and we have documented every delivery through signed proof. All displaced families were referred to SASSA for social relief and a formal request for emergency shelter was submitted to the national disaster office. 71 beneficiaries have been approved and a service provider is being appointed. We are following this up because this is more than recovery, it is about restoring dignity to those affected.”
The residents have called on government to fast track the disaster relief process as the elderly continue to suffer.
