Helping Displaced Wolwedans Families in Mossel Bay

by
1 min read
western cape mossel bay

The Western Cape Department of Infrastructure and the Mossel Bay Municipality have teamed up to assist 13 families from Wolwedans, Great Brak River, in Mossel Bay. The families were forced to leave their homes due to the risk of landslides, which led to geotechnical studies by the department.

Background

The November 2021 floods had a significant impact on the Wolwedans area, with 13 houses being deemed unsafe for habitation. The Provincial Minister, Tertuis Simmers, and National Minister of Human Settlements, Mmamoloko Kubayi, visited the site in January 2022. Zutari Consulting Engineers were then assigned to conduct further studies and produce a preliminary report.

The Report

The report confirmed that relocating the 13 families to a safer site was necessary. High rainfall and unstable slope conditions were identified as key factors contributing to the slope failure. The report concluded that rehabilitation would not be economical due to the magnitude of the movement and the size of the failure zone.

Temporary Accommodation

Eight families were relocated to Temporary Relocation Accommodation (TRA) units, while the remaining five found shelter with extended family members.

New Homes

The new homes will be constructed on a site that addresses 23 informal settlements, including Wolwedans. These homes are part of the Upgrading of Informal Settlements Programme (UISP) within the Greater Mossel Bay area.

Provincial Minister’s Gratitude

Provincial Minister Tertuis Simmers expressed his gratitude for the collaboration between different government spheres and stakeholders. He highlighted the importance of ensuring community safety and well-being.

Remedial Work

The department has allocated R21.5 million for remedial work in the affected area. This further demonstrates their commitment to providing safe housing for the displaced Wolwedans families. The remedial work will address various issues related to the landslip risks and help to prevent future incidents.

Collaboration

The collaborative efforts by the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure and the Mossel Bay Municipality, along with the involvement of the Provincial and National Ministers, showcase the importance of teamwork and cooperation in addressing the housing needs of vulnerable communities.

The construction of the 13 new homes is expected to commence soon, once the contractor has established the site. The displaced Wolwedans families can look forward to a fresh start in a safer environment.

Tags:

You might be interested in

A Russian-Spanish journalist and Cape Town native, channels his lifelong passion for South Africa into captivating stories for his local blog. With a diverse background and 50 years of rich experiences, Serjio's unique voice resonates with readers seeking to explore Cape Town's vibrant culture. His love for the city shines through in every piece, making Serjio the go-to source for the latest in South African adventures.

View all

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

sewer pipeline
Previous Story

Comprehensive Update on the Repair of Collapsed Bulk Sewer in Retreat

south africa digital future
Next Story

Deputy Minister Philly Mapulane’s Vision for South Africa’s Digital Future

Latest from Blog

firefighters community outreach

Spreading Holiday Cheer: Firefighters Bring Joy to Children

In December 2024, firefighters brightened the holidays for children in care facilities by delivering wrapped gifts with big smiles. Partnering with Pick n Pay, they spread joy and gratitude after receiving support during a tough summer of wildfires. Each visit was a heartwarming reminder of kindness, as firefighters became symbols of generosity, teaching kids about empathy and community spirit. This joyful initiative shows how simple acts of giving can light up lives and strengthen bonds in the community.

justice gender-based violence

A Persistent Nightmare in Embalenhle: Justice Served

In Embalenhle, South Africa, a dark nightmare unfolded as Themba Prince Shongwe committed terrible crimes, including rapes and murders, from 2016 to 2018. The community lived in fear as he targeted innocent girls, causing heartbreak and loss. Finally, justice was served when he was found guilty and sentenced to nine life terms in prison, bringing relief to the grieving families and a sense of safety back to the community. This victory shines a light on the importance of standing against violence and working together to protect the vulnerable.

street lighting community safety

Illuminating Cape Town: Lighting Up Safety and Community

Cape Town’s streetlight program shines brightly as it manages over 245,000 lights, making the city safer and more inviting, especially during the festive season. The community plays a vital role by reporting issues and staying alert, working together to protect these lights from theft and vandalism. With a focus on sustainability, the city is switching to energyefficient LEDs, reducing its environmental impact while keeping streets welllit. This initiative not only lights up the city but also brings people together, creating a warm and safe atmosphere that showcases Cape Town’s beauty at night.

housing development community empowerment

A Beacon of Hope: Gugulethu’s New Housing Project

The Gugulethu Infill Housing Project is bringing joy and hope to the community of Gugulethu, South Africa, by building 52 new homes for deserving families. This celebration marks a fresh start for many, especially the elderly and middleaged residents who finally have a safe place to call home. As they move in, they not only gain shelter but also a sense of belonging and stability. This project symbolizes the community’s strength and resilience, showing that together, they can overcome challenges and build a brighter future. The new homes are more than just buildings; they represent dreams coming true and a promise of better days ahead.

colonel celeste van der klashorst gender-based violence

Championing Justice: The Journey of Colonel Celeste van der Klashorst

Colonel Celeste van der Klashorst is a fearless leader in South Africa’s fight against violence and crime, especially those targeting women and children. With over thirty years of service, she created Child Protection Units and now leads the National SECI Unit, tackling serious issues like serial rape and child pornography. Her team’s recent success in a major operation has led to arrests and rescued children, showing the powerful impact of her work. Colonel van der Klashorst inspires others with her passion for justice, making her a shining example of hope and resilience in the battle for a safer society.