Margate battles to come back from floods

MORE than a year after a devastating flash flood lashed Margate, the "gem" of the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, many local businesses still face an uphill battle in their recovery.

- KAREN SINGH

The floods of April 2024, which claimed five lives and devastated numerous homes and businesses, have left scars that are still evident throughout the town.

Gary Wridgway, who owned a mini golf business called The Duck and Putt in Margate, said his business was a success before the floods destroyed everything.

“When the floods came I lost everything in my business, my ducks and geese that I had as an attraction were scattered all across the Margate area. Fortunately, they were all recovered. The concrete slabs for the mini golf were all ripped up and broken,” he said.

Following the incident, Wridgway recalled that there were roughly 10 vehicles from neighbouring properties dispersed on the property. He also noted that his tuckshop was submerged in almost 2m of water, resulting in a half-metre of mud and extensive damage afterwards.

“I unfortunately was unable to recover or restore anything. I had just finished renovating and had spent all my money,” said Wridgway.

According to Wridgway, there was talk of a government relief fund that was quoted at R400 000 to rebuild his business alone.

“It never came through. My landlord expected me to restore the ground and be up and running within 3 months before continuing to pay rent; therefore, I had to leave,” he lamented.

Based on his observations, Wridgway said evidence still remains of the flood throughout Margate.

“The effort to clean up has been slow at best; the only work being done is by the community to my knowledge,” he said, adding that The Duck and Putt still looks like a disaster site.

“I am still trying to recover from my financial loss brought on by the floods; it has been one of the toughest years of my life,” he said.