Forgotten flood victims' long wait for homes

MORE than two years after the devastating April 2022 floods, some residents displaced in Verulam feel they have been forgotten by the government.

- SIPHESIHLE BUTHELEZI

They claim they were promised permanent housing after the floods damaged their homes in the Thandanani area in Verulam but they are still waiting. They said they were moved to Jabulani Hall and some were later relocated to a nearby transit camp. But they say the living conditions are deteriorating, unsafe, and unfit for human habitation.

Phumzile Mkhize, 87, who is staying in a room on the community hall's premises, has lost faith in the government's promises.

"During the day, I'm usually left alone because my daughter is at work and the children are at school. Anyone can come in and do whatever they want. I don't want to stay here any more," she said. "If I had the strength and money, I would have left long ago. This is not life."

Mkhize recounted the horrific attack inside the hall where she was once housed. "A man we lived with walked in and attacked me. I tried to run, but I fell and he stabbed me. He stabbed my daughter and the security guard when they tried to help. Then he poured petrol over me and tried to set me alight, but the lighter jammed," she said.

"Men came here after that and promised to move me, but I never heard from them again."