Ward 11 resident Patricia Bouwer is overjoyed with finally having her roof fixed after a tornado damaged it in 2008.
Ward 11 resident Patricia Bouwer is overjoyed with finally having her roof fixed after a tornado damaged it in 2008.
Third year Rhodes journalism students were given an opportunity to use journalism to benefit the public with their public centred journalism this year, the results of which were published in the Ward Focus series in Grocott's Mail this month.
The students raised R3700 by campaigning through Facebook and got a special discounted quote from D&A Timbers. The company went out of their way to ensure that all the materials were available.
Work was started on the house on November 22 2010 with labour generously supplied by Dupie Heunis. All that remains to be done is the ceiling and final waterproofing. Bouwer could not stop beaming as she spoke of her "early Christmas present”.
“My children are so excited too,” she said. Rubiano (2 months) and Rowena (6 years) will now sleep safe and dry this rainy season. “This is just the start,” said ward councillor Lena May, “It is the first step.” Many other residents in Ward 11 are still waiting for the municipal red tape to be cleared so that they can benefit from the R10 million tornado repair fund.
Councillor May held a Mr and Miss Tornado fashion show on Friday 26 November to raise more funds.
