The Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs, visited the Namakwa District today to assess the damage caused by severe weather conditions that struck the area last weekend.

The weather, characterised by intense winds and continuous rainfall, affected several areas on Sunday 7 July. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) had issued a yellow level four warning for parts of the Northern Cape and Free State.

Several local municipalities, including Hantam, Kamiesberg, Nama Khoi, and Khai Ma, experienced significant damage. The adverse weather destroyed residential structures, roads, informal housing, telecommunication lines, and electricity infrastructure.

‘MEC Vass addressed the community’s concerns’

In Hantam, some families faced substantial property damage and were relocated to the Lenie Skippers community hall. Middelpos suffered power outages, and around 15 informal households in Calvinia were damaged.

During his visit to Calvinia, in the Hantam Municipality, MEC Vass assessed the extent of the damage and addressed the community’s concerns.

“I’m here in the Namakwa District as part of the intervention by the provincial government, along with my colleague MEC Vilakazi, to assess the flood damages caused by the rainstorm on Sunday. We are currently on the ground and want to thank our partners for their support. We are here to also introduce the contractor who will be on-site from 1 August as part of the R1 billion initiative that the President launched in January 2024,” Vass stated.

He urged community members to collaborate with the provincial government to address the challenges faced by the community effectively.

Buffelsrivier in Nama Khoi is experiencing flooded roads, prompting community members and road users to exercise caution and vigilance. Affected families have received temporary shelter and provisions, with ongoing assessments by the Provincial Disaster Management Committee to provide further aid as required.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi mvh/cg