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

resilience disaster management

Resilience Amid Flames: Cape Town’s Response to Devastating Fires

Cape Town is bravely fighting back against the wildfires that devastated its informal settlements, which left many families homeless. Local leaders are quickly providing emergency housing and asking for more support to act faster during crises. The community is coming together, working with relief groups to help those in need, and showing incredible strength and hope. As they rebuild their lives, Cape Town’s spirit shines through, proving that even in tough times, people can unite to create a brighter future.

empathy in policing gender-based violence support

Transforming Policing in South Africa’s Northern Cape

In South Africa’s Northern Cape, a heartwarming initiative is changing how police treat victims of genderbased violence. They are creating special Victim Friendly Rooms in police stations, where survivors can feel safe and cared for. This project, led by Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola and her team, aims to build trust within the community and make victims feel supported. By using technology and compassionate approaches, police are not just enforcing laws; they are becoming a source of comfort and strength for those in need.

crime justice

Crime and Justice in the Western Cape: A Complex Narrative

In the Western Cape of South Africa, crime and justice form a complicated story filled with both struggles and hope. High levels of drugrelated crime and illegal guns create big challenges for communities, but law enforcement, like the AntiEconomic Crimes Task Team, works hard to make things safer. A recent operation in Beacon Valley led to the arrest of four suspects and uncovered a stash of drugs and a gun, showing the ongoing battle against crime. This situation reflects not just individual actions but deeper social issues that affect many lives, highlighting the need for a fair and understanding justice system. Through this, we see a blend of resilience, culture, and the community’s strong spirit striving for a better future.

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.