The Free State Premier, MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, officially handed over more than 100 houses to residents in Jagersfontein who suffered from the mudslide disaster that occurred in September 2022 when a diamond mine’s dam wall collapsed after heavy rainfall.

The Trompsburg-based Kopanong Local Municipality said at the time neglect played a big part in the disaster at Jagersfontein, where a wall of the mine’s tailings dam collapsed.

The mine has since made R20 million available to help affected residents. The new houses were built on the same plots as the original homes. Homes were built to the same dimensions as before and some needed minor modifications.

Beneficiaries will also be receiving furniture for their new homes, however, discussions are still being held regarding the possibility of a voucher for furniture or purchasing the furniture for them.

All beneficiaries are happy to finally move into their own homes again after living in rented apartments.

Kopanong spokesperson Solomzi Phama previously told OFM News they confirmed, without fear or favour, there was negligence that led to the flood disaster, which claimed one life and left over 100 people homeless or destitute, and some of the municipal infrastructure destroyed.

One person died and 73 patients were treated for injuries at the Diamond District Hospital in Jagersfontein. 

OFM News previously reported that the mine’s stakeholder relations officer and spokesperson Billy Bilankula told journalists in Jagersfontein on 9 May it would take about six months to complete the rebuilding and refurbishment of destroyed houses.

Bilankula said the delay in the rebuilding and refurbishment of the houses was because of ongoing discussions between residents, the government, and mine management. Some residents decided to take legal action against the mine using private lawyers, others formed a committee to take care of their issues.

OFM News/Heidre Malgas and Casey-Lee Anthony cg/dg