Cape Town - Concern for the homeless caught in the storm and those left destitute by flooding, has spurred local organisations into action.
U-turn Homeless Ministries said it experienced a drastic increase in clients seeking shelter at their Homeless Support Centres, which has led them to taking the decision to provide emergency assistance.
This as the City said more than 6 500 flood assistance kits have been issued to residents in informal settlements.
U-turn’s chief operating officer, Valerie Govender, said they have partnered with Christ Church Kenilworth to provide emergency shelter for those living on the streets.
“It is incredibly cold and wet and the wind is making it unbearable to find refuge on the street. The makeshift tents and thin plastic that usually provide warmth are useless,” she said.
“We are appealing to the community to assist us by dropping off blankets, sleeping bags, canned food and thin mattresses to help provide more safe space beds during this storm.’’
Donations can be dropped off at their headquarters in Cape Town, and they will be open today until 9pm to receive donations.
Humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers said storm damage to informal settlements has left scores of residents destitute as they lost everything.
“Gift of the Givers teams have been inundated with calls from various communities around the Cape Flats as the cold wet front moves over the Western Cape. Our teams have been on the ground to do assessments in various informal settlements across the Western Cape.
“Local municipalities have appealed for sandbags to prevent homes and structures from being flooded.”
To support the organisation visit www.giftofthegivers.org/make-a-difference Mayco member for human settlements Carl Pophaim said 37 areas across the metro have been impacted by the storm, the worst affected being Khayelitsha, Lwandle in Strand, Nomzamo, Gugulethu, Masiphumelele, Macassar, Sir Lowry’s Pass, Mfuleni, Tafelsig and Vygieskraal and Ocean View.
He said during a meeting with the National Minister of Human Settlements, Mmamoloko Kubayi, on Wednesday, representatives of all government tiers reiterated their co-operation and to look at all efforts to expedite assistance, especially to the most vulnerable people affected.
“With 6 500 flood assistance kits already issued, some relocations done and milling material delivered to soak up the water where possible, the level and volumes of assistance required have been unprecedented. And it will increase. I’ve been in areas across the metro to assess conditions and to play my part in handing out flood relief kits to affected residents.
“The City’s Human Settlements, Disaster Risk Management, Basic Service and Safety and Security teams especially have been out in full force to provide assistance to Cape Town’s residents and particularly the most vulnerable residents in informal settlements,” said Pophaim.
Storm-related donations can be made to City drop-off points: Goodwood Fire Station, Lakeside Fire Station, Ottery Fire Station, Roeland Street Fire Station, Sir Lowry’s Pass Fire Station, and Strand Fire Station.
grecia.mgolombane@inl.co.za
Cape Argus