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

racism slavery

A Disturbing Incident: Recollection of Slavery in a High School Incident

Students at a Cape Town high school were involved in a disturbing mock auction that resembled scenes from slavery. The incident, filmed and circulated on social media, triggered investigations by school officials and widespread indignation. A spokesperson for the Western Cape Education Department confirmed that the students’ actions were not in line with the values and principles of the department or the school. The incident highlights the need for ongoing dialogues about racial equality, mutual respect, and education on the lasting effects of historical crimes such as slavery.

ireland vfs global

The Evolving Global Travel Landscape: A New Chapter for South African and Botswana Nationals

South African and Botswana nationals now need to obtain a visa before travelling to Ireland, following the Irish Department of Justice’s appointment of VFS Global as its official partner for travellers from these two countries. The decision was made in response to a surge in International Protection applications from South African and Botswana nationals, and is aimed at aligning Ireland more closely with the Schengen Area. The move is part of a broader trend of countries modifying their immigration policies to balance security considerations, economic requirements, and aspirations to maintain an opendoor policy.

electric fence south africa

“Spearheading Safety: South Africa’s Revised Electric Fence Regulations”

South Africa’s Bureau of Standards has updated regulations for electric fences, with new rules requiring the use of premiumgrade materials, regular inspection schedules and enhanced testing methods after installation. The SANS 10222–3: 2023 Edition 5.1 requirements also include revised standards for warning sign placement and joint installation. Failure to comply with the standards can result in the denial of insurance claims, while consumers can request the Electric Fence System Installer number from installers and report improper conduct to the Department of Labour.

homelessness cape town

The Unfolding Homelessness Crisis in Cape Town’s Central Business District

The homelessness crisis in Cape Town’s CBD is becoming increasingly urgent, with hundreds of homeless individuals facing eviction. The city’s proposed solution, the Safe Spaces Initiative, provides shelter, meals, and vocational training to homeless individuals and is funded by the city. While some support the initiative as a way to preserve the dignity of the destitute, others argue for more comprehensive solutions, such as repurposing vacant buildings for permanent housing and addressing health and employment issues. The decision of how to tackle this issue has farreaching implications, making it a critical moment for the city.

south africa democracy

Examining the Path of Democracy: South Africa’s Transformation Over Thirty Years

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile emphasized the need for scientific and evidencesupported strategies to handle socioeconomic complexities, identified key issues integral to the nation’s developmental dialogue, including countering the impacts of climate change, capitalizing on the advantages of the African Continental Free Trade Area, and supporting peace initiatives on the continent. The conference reflected on the struggles, achievements, and aspirations of a nation striving to uphold principles of justice, equality, and social transformation.