Nearly 2 800 structures damaged as City continues to assess storm impact

Authorities in the Western Cape will continue on Tuesday, to assess the damage of the recent storm.

The City of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management says its officials are monitoring high-risk areas and determining the need for humanitarian and engineering relief where impacts have been reported.

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According to the City, at least 28 incidents have been listed of areas where structural damage occurred due to the wind, including Delft, Mitchells Plain, Khayelitsha, Blue Downs, Somerset West, Northpine, Sir Lowry’s Pass, Monwabisi and commercial properties in Strand.

‘’At this stage, the number of structures affected – subject to more detailed assessment – are 2 779. Reports of flooding were received in Gaba Village (Leonsdale/Epping area), 12 structures in Empolweni, Khayalitsha and approximately 400 structures in Monwabisi,’’ said Charlotte Powell, City of Cape Town Disaster Risk Management spokesperson.

Powell says many of the affected residents are sheltering with friends and family. 

‘’The DRM has arranged humanitarian relief through its NGO partners, while the Roads Department is assisting with the provision of sand in some areas. More than 100 incidents of uprooted/damaged trees have been reported since Saturday – these incidents are being attended to by Recreation and Parks and the Traffic Service. Relevant City departments are dealing with burst pipes, electricity outages and managing remaining road closures,’’ she said.

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The spokesperson also thanked various organisations and companies for their donations.

‘’The City thanks Checkers 60/60, Peninsula Beverages and Community Chest who have heeded the call for donations in the form of foodstuff, blankets, water and refreshments.  GrandWest will be donating soft relief to the amount of R132 000,’’ said Charlotte Powell, City of Cape Town Disaster Risk Management spokesperson.

Meanwhile, the Somerset West Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC) will be offering very limited services until further notice, as a result of storm damage.

‘’The centre will honour driving licence tests and will be able to facilitate card collections. Management will be in contact with all learner licence and driving licence applicants that have pending tests to reschedule, or facilitate refunds,’’ said Maxine Bezuidenhout, City of Cape Town Traffic Services.

She says the Gordon’s Bay DLTC was also affected, but to a lesser extent – it has since reopened and is providing all services; however, the public is advised that telephone lines are still down.

 

Done by: Mitchum George