Mangaung’s mayor has urged the public and business owners to help victims who’ve suffered during the heavy storms that hit Bloemfontein and its surrounds during the past week.

More than 90 houses were heavily affected by the storms, while 250 homes were damaged at Van Stadensrus. A boy (7) died, while a woman (55) from Phase 6 and a ten-month-old baby were admitted to the hospital after they suffered injuries. 

“We are mobilising the resources from our, municipality and engaging the province to see what temporary measures we can put in place, to salvage the properties of those who’ve lost their homes and secure where they can put their head,” said Mangaung Mayor Gregory Nthatisi.

Mangaung Mayor, Gregory Nthatisi, speaking to one of the residents. Photo: Facebook

He urged community structures and businesses to help with food, clothes, and shelter. The metro has been working hard in response to the devastation caused by the thunderstorms.

Temporary accommodation at community halls will be offered in the form of plastic sheeting and corrugated iron sheets for damaged shacks, said Mangaung spokesperson Qondile Khedama. Other measures include prioritising blocked catch-pits to prevent flooding and sucking of toilets to prevent contamination of the environment.

Henry Denner from the Freedom Front Plus said they also helped by providing two trucks, electrical equipment, and manpower to help relieve the pressure on the residents of Mangaung during the clean-up. 

The SA Weather Service has issued a warning of widespread heavy rainfall across all inland provinces and KwaZulu-Natal, increasing the risk of flooding. Motorists and pedestrians are requested not to attempt to cross rivers or streams that are in flood.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi           dg