Elsie Seekoei, recently relocated resident of Kariega, in the Eastern Cape, said she is very happy that she was moved to a safe place after having experienced floods more than once.
“I have experienced the pain so many times. It is heart-warming to know that today, as the rain continues to pour, I will be safe. I am really thankful for this rescue.”

Seekoei is one of 55 people relocated this week, from Lapland Kariega in Uitenhage to Van Rooyen, following the aggressive July floods that flattened the flood prone area.

Thembinkosi Mafana, Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Human Settlements, said 20 people were relocated from Lapland on Tuesday this week and 5 from the McCarthy area.

“The 25 people that have been relocated today add to the 30 that was relocated last week” said Mafana.

About 154 temporary houses were secured for Kariega’s July flood victims.

These relocations follow intensive relocation site preparation that included environmental impact assessment applications, public engagements and the construction of temporary structures.

“We are pleased that we are relocating the people of the Lapland and McCarthy areas. They will now spend their Christmas in a safe place while waiting for their subsidized houses. These are efforts that we make as a caring government to ensure that people stay in dignity, even if they do not have formal houses yet” said Mafana.

Picture: Supplied

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