Western Cape schools to reopen on Wednesday

Flooded road in Worcester, Western Cape.

The Western Cape Education Department has announced that all schools in the province will reopen on Wednesday.

The department’s decision is based on guidance from the Provincial Disaster Management Centre and the South African Weather Service (SAWS).

It says there may, however, be schools that need to remain closed due to infrastructure damage or access challenges caused by the storm experienced in the province.

DESTITUTE

The City of Cape Town says more than 83 000 people residing in over 21 000 dwellings have been left destitute by the bad weather since the weekend.

The city, along with its NGO partners, has rendered services in communities, among others, Vygieskraal, Overcome Heights, Dubai, Khayelitsha, Phillipi East, Gugulethu, Valhalla Park and Lwandle.

Disaster Risk Management spokesperson Charlotte Powell says the city has also made several fire stations available as drop-off points for donations of non-perishable food, personal hygiene items, nappies, baby formula and blankets.

Powell says, “Several of our NGO partners have stepped forward to provide hot meals and blankets, including Ashraful Aid, Gift of the Givers, Islamic Relief and Mustadafin. Sassa and the Department of Social Development have stepped in to help”

She says, “While the worst of the adverse conditions are behind us, the recovery efforts will continue for several days or more. We ask communities to please pay special attention to vulnerable households in their areas and to render assistance where possible.”