A storm that swept through Grahamstown on 27 December may have lasted no longer than an hour – but it caused serious damage to the houses of residents.
A storm that swept through Grahamstown on 27 December may have lasted no longer than an hour – but it caused serious damage to the houses of residents.
Zibongile Rhano from extension 7 in Grahamstown came home to a house that was completely wrecked. All that remains is the foundation, two broken mud walls and heaps of rubble where walls once stood.
“Fortunately when the storm hit I was not home,” Zibongile said. “I was alerted about the damage it had caused to my house through a phone call from my neighbours.
“I got here to find that my house is gone and my furniture was just lying outside.”
Ward 7 committee member Victor Tsipha, called to the site, said he had contacted ward councillor Mncedisi Gojela to inspect it and declare it a disaster site.
Speaking to Grocott’s Mail, Gojela said the municipality did not have funds for temporary housing; however, the province did.
“We did provide the houses that were damaged with [tarpaulin]covers. Unfortunately we cannot do much for cases like Zibongile’s house where the whole house is gone.”
Gojela said the best Rhano could do for himself was to rebuild his own house as soon as possible.
“Zibongile needs to apply for temporary housing and that temporary housing is not from this municipality but from the [Province].”
Rhano said he had neither money nor resources to rebuild his home.
