In a heartening development for the community of Deelpan in the North West province of South Africa, the unveiling of 103 newly constructed houses has brought a wave of relief and optimism. This significant milestone follows a series of devastating floods that wreaked havoc on the area in December 2021 and March of the subsequent year, leaving hundreds of families displaced and in dire need of assistance.
Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Pinky Kekana, recently undertook an oversight visit to assess the progress of relocating affected residents and ensuring that adequate measures are being taken to address their housing needs. The visit marked a crucial step forward in the government’s ongoing efforts to support the community in its recovery from the natural disaster.
The initiative gained momentum after over 300 families were forced to evacuate their homes more than two years ago due to the severe flooding. Temporarily housed in shelters set up in churches and community halls, the residents have endured significant hardships while awaiting a more permanent solution to their housing predicament. Now, with the completion of the first phase of the new housing project, they finally have cause for optimism and gratitude.
The land for the housing project was generously donated by the Bakolobeng Tribal Authority, underscoring the spirit of collaboration and solidarity that has characterized the response to the crisis. Despite the prolonged wait, residents expressed their satisfaction and gratitude for the new homes that have been provided to them.
“Our houses were submerged, we lost everything, and we do not have houses and furniture. What is important is that we are still alive, and government has heard our cry,” remarked one resident, reflecting on the challenges faced by the community in the aftermath of the floods.
Another resident echoed these sentiments, stating, “Now I am happy because the government has assisted us; we are no longer complaining.” These testimonies underscore the profound impact of government intervention in alleviating the suffering of those affected by natural disasters and reaffirming their faith in the authorities’ commitment to their welfare.
Deputy Minister Kekana expressed satisfaction with the progress made thus far, commending the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders involved in the reconstruction efforts. “The team that leads the disaster in the province and our team from planning, monitoring, and evaluation are working very closely, and so far, I can gladly say before and after because some of us were here before. We are happy with what we are seeing and the progress,” she remarked.
However, amid the celebrations, concerns have been raised regarding the need for comprehensive infrastructure development, particularly in the realm of bulk water infrastructure. Kogodi Molete of the Bakolobeng Tribal Authority emphasized the necessity of addressing these issues urgently, in line with government promises made earlier.
“We agreed based on the experience of the water level, we really don’t need these VIPs; we still have to come with the entire bulk water system,” Molete asserted, highlighting the importance of holistic solutions to the challenges facing the community.
Acknowledging these concerns, Deputy Minister Kekana admitted that there are indeed challenges to be overcome, particularly in ensuring essential services such as electricity connectivity. “The challenge maybe electricity connectivity because you know Eskom will only come once everything is at 80 percent completion, and already, they are on their toes to make sure that once we are done, there is seamless transition between Human Settlement and Eskom,” she explained.
Looking ahead, the government has affirmed its commitment to continuing the housing project, with plans underway to construct an additional 371 houses as soon as suitable land is allocated by the tribal authority. This proactive approach reflects a concerted effort to address the long-term housing needs of the community and build resilience against future disasters.
In conclusion, the inauguration of the new housing project in Deelpan stands as a testament to the transformative power of collective action and government intervention in times of crisis. By providing secure and dignified housing to those in need, the initiative not only offers tangible relief to the affected residents but also symbolizes a beacon of hope for the entire community as they strive to rebuild and recover from adversity.
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