Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality says the relocation of residents of the flood-prone area of Lapland in Kariega to the much safer Van Rooyen area, to occupy temporary houses, is progressing well.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Human Settlements, Thembinkosi Mafana, said 25 people, including 20 from Lapland and five from the McCarthy area, were relocated on Tuesday, adding to the 30 people who were relocated last week.

‘In total, 55 people have been relocated, with more relocations expected as the week progresses,’ Mafana said.

The relocations follow the metro’s intensive relocation site preparation, which 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, [who] will now spend their Christmas in a safe place, while waiting for their subsidised 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,’ Mafana said.

Mafana also acknowledged that the relocation was due to collaboration by different spheres of government.

‘Thanks to the support from the National Human Settlements Department, the Metro plans to erect 154 temporary houses to accommodate residents from the Lapland McCarthy and Grogro areas,’ he said.

One of the relocated Lapland residents, Elsie Seekoei, said she is very happy that she has 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 said.

Mafana assured that the relocations will proceed until all the effected residents have been relocated.

Source: South African Government News Agency