Two families in Lotus Park, Gugulethu have been left homeless after strong winds dislodged a Metrorail pole that fell onto their houses last Saturday.
Mnyaka Sithembele says his family suffered a great loss: “There’s a lot of damage. Our roof fell in. Our furniture is broken, all our dishes broke.
“The fridge, the bed, the cupboard, everything is damaged. Luckily nobody was in their homes when the pole fell,” says Sithembele.
Mzoli Matata from the second damaged house says both families have now been placed in one metal container.
SUFFERED: Resident Mnyaka Sithembele
“Prasa took us on Sunday to a temporary housing facility in Strand. It’s like a container here. We are two families that were impacted by this disaster and we are 11 people sharing this temporary housing space now,” says Matata.
Nomawethu Bangiso, Leader of the Lotus Park Committee, says she responded to the incident to Prasa on the same day.
“They came the following morning to assist. We managed to get the families housing in Strand until their situation at home has been sorted,” says Bangiso.
She says the families are in dire need of relief aid: “They need clothes, beds, bedding, stoves and fridges in the meantime. Mr. Matata’s youngest daughter is quadriplegic.”
SITUATION: Leader Nomawethu Bangiso
Metrorail spokesperson Riana Scott confirms: “A temporary arrangement has been made until City Disaster Management can replace their building material, and arrangements are underway to remove the mast pole manually, because cranes are not able to access the location.
To assist, please contact Mzoli Mtata on 063 303 6308.
ra-ees.moerat@inl.co.za