Nearly three weeks since the storm and floods that engulfed and overwhelmed the community of Sandvlei, residents are still picking up the pieces, dealing with dampness, sewer waste and lost possessions.
More than 80 residents were severely affected when the rising waters not only flooded their homes but also trapped them on their smallholding properties on Monday 25 September, after a low-water bridge leading in and out of the area was completely inaccessible and posed a danger to those who crossed as a result of strong currents.
“The water level had risen significantly, as both the Kuils River and Eerste River had burst its banks,” explained resident Faiz Anthony. “The bridge was completely under water.”
Dozens of homes were under water and items such as clothing, furniture and appliances damaged. Some areas, such as the Kramat Sports Fields, witnessed water as high as the rugby posts’ crossbars.
Disaster response NGO Gift of the Givers assisted affected residents with food, while the greater Helderberg community donated clothing, blankets and cleaning products.
“As far as I can remember, we’ve never seen anything like this,” said elderly resident Shameel Anthony. “Everyone’s homes were flooded and several homes were without electricity for up to four days, which also affected students studying for exams.”
The community had initially waited for assistance from the City of Cape Town, but when it was not forthcoming they took matters into their own hands.
As the water subsided, private local companies, including Mac Sand and Nyathi Plant Hire, provided front-end loaders and excavators to grade the bridge and make it accessible to vehicles. The operation took almost half a day to complete, but was done successfully.
Rob Quintas, Mayoral Committee member for Urban Mobility said the bridge is located on private property.
“The City conducted a site inspection at the mentioned bridge/culvert in Sandvlei on Wednesday 27 September and found the private contractor doing work on the site and that the bridge was operational,” he pointed out.
According to Faiz, surrounding communities and businesses always comes to residents’ aid, and locals are grateful for and appreciative of the assistance. “People had to pump water out of their homes themselves, and we’ve learnt not to wait for assistance but work with what we have and depend only on one another,” he said.
Last week the community of Sandvlei slowly started to return to their normal lives, but challenges still remained.
“It’s going much better, but many residents are still counting their losses and damage to their homes,” Faiz said.
“Many residents are also sick and there’s a strong sewerage smell in the air, while others still have water in their yards which needs to be pumped out as it’s stagnant and a health hazard.
“For those affected it’s now about starting afresh with new cupboards, repainting and trying to salvage what they can. Gift of the Givers also assisted with some feed for animals and food for residents, as did NPO Nakhlistan.”
