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

early childhood education toy libraries

Cape Town’s Transformative Toy Libraries: Revolutionizing Early Childhood Development

Cape Town’s toy libraries are changing how young children learn by creating fun and exciting places to play and grow. With 24 vibrant libraries, kids can explore new stories and play with educational toys that help them develop important skills. Educators also benefit, gaining access to helpful resources that enhance teaching methods. This initiative not only supports children’s growth but also encourages a love for learning that can last a lifetime. As these libraries thrive, they inspire communities everywhere to embrace the joy of learning through play.

wastewater management urban sustainability

Innovative Urban Water Management: Embracing Wastewater Package Plants

Wastewater package plants are small, smart facilities that help cities manage dirty water in a cleaner way. They are easy to install and can be placed where big treatment plants can’t go, making them super useful for crowded urban areas. Recently, a workshop brought together many people to learn how to set up and run these plants, highlighting their importance for public health and the environment. By using these innovative systems, cities can boost their economies while making sure they take care of our precious water resources.

illegal mining south africa

Confronting Illegal Mining in South Africa: A Complex Battle

South Africa is fighting against illegal mining with a strong team of police, soldiers, and private security. They’ve recently targeted a large group of about 6,500 illegal miners in Ekurhuleni, where hidden tunnels and makeshift homes showed the extent of this underground world. While these operations can push miners away temporarily, true solutions need to address the economic struggles that drive people to these risky jobs. The goal is to create lasting change that not only protects the environment but also offers communities new opportunities for a better life.

fireworks policy public safety

Balancing Tradition and Safety: Cape Town’s Fireworks Policy

Cape Town is getting ready for exciting celebrations like Diwali and Guy Fawkes Night, but there are important rules about fireworks! To keep everyone safe, people must get permission from the police and have their event checked by the Fire and Rescue Service. While many love the colorful displays, some worry about noise and the danger to pets and wildlife. As the city balances fun traditions with safety, it’s clear that thoughtful celebrations can light up the sky without causing chaos below.