By Khanyisile Mbambo
The future remains uncertain for the residents of Peace Palm who are still seeking shelter at Shastripark Community Hall after their homes were once again placed in a precarious position as more sand was washed from underneath flats in Palmview as a result torrential rains that ravaged parts of KwaZulu-Natal over the weekend.
“We have been living in the hall since the floods in April, we had hoped to have returned to our homes by now but it is looking more unlikely with the rain over the weekend causing more damaged,” said Sumaya Davids.
The 48-year-old Peace Palm resident said that she and her 16 other family members were evacuated in April and told not to return to their four-family flat because of the seriousness of the situation and fears of it collapsing.
“Half the foundation of the flats is being held up by whatever is left of the soil underneath, while the rest is floating on air. We do not when we will be returning home or if we will ever return,” said Davids.
Around 40 people are currently being housed at Shastripark Community Hall as several Phoenix homes situated near the Ohlanga River, in Palmview, were not spared as the river swelled. “Its been a traumatising experience as we have been forced to move of the comfort of our home to living, cooking and bathing in a hall.”
As the heavy rains battered KZN over the weekend, the provincial government urged communities in low-lying areas to evacuate their homes and seek shelter. According to the KZN Premier, Sihle Zikalala, at least 200 we evacuated from their homes.
“All disaster teams are on the ground and we urge all of us to play our part as disaster management is everybody’s business.
Fortunately the Defence force SANDF is here and will be able to assist us. Road closures have been effected and we are urging citizens to take heed and make sure you are safe. If you reside in a flood prone area and you are asked by authorities to evacuate, please obey,” said Zikalala.
Speaking to the Phoenix Tabloid Ward Councillor Lyndal Singh said: “Nine families are currently occupying the local community hall and fear that their homes may collapse following the severe flooding and landslides caused by the heavy rainfall this past Saturday. The matter was previously escalated to the various departments including Roads and Storm Water and Water Department. I have once again escalated the matter and followed up with the relevant departments.”
She said: “Officials from the Roads and Storm Water Department confirmed that they will be doing an investigation in the area. I received many concerns from residents of Easter Palm, Peace Palm as well as Yolk Palm which is nearby, regarding the safety of their properties. Residents are living in fear and don’t know who to turn to for help. I have since taken up these concerns with the building inspectors and awaiting reports. The issue has also been escalated to our exco member Nicole Graham and it’s currently sitting in the deputy mayor’s office.”
Durban Metro spokesperson, Superintendent Parboo Sewpersad said that once they received a weather alert level 10 from the South African Weather Service, they began to do quick assessments to their Fusion Centre (Control Room). “Everyone was aware about which roads were a no-go zone. We constantly gave out reports until Sunday evening. We were on high alert and our teams were proactive in certain areas. I would like to commend Metro Police officials who promptly carried out their duties,” said Sewpersad.
He said: “We are happy to announce that no lives were lost in this flood. Tongaat and Umdloti were the areas that were extremely affected. Rescue teams were on the ground evacuating the residents in these areas.”
