By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde has called for patience as the recovery operations continue following the severe storms that swept through the province.
Eleven people were killed as two devastating storms hit the province two weeks ago, causing widespread flooding, while leaving thousands of people destitute.
Winde said, “We understand the frustration many residents are feeling. It has been an exceptionally difficult time and we, along with all role players, apologise for any inconvenience. We thank residents for their patience. Officials have been working tirelessly under extremely difficult conditions to restore power and other critical services as quickly and safely as possible.”
Despite challenges such as accessing areas difficult to reach, there have also been reports of equipment being vandalised and cable theft, only aggravating the situation. Winde strongly condemned these acts of lawlessness.
In the Cape Winelands District, repairs to the main power line between Boskloof and Romansrivier are progressing well. Teams are also attending to faults in Chavonnes, Hexrivier, Rawsonville and Witzenberg.
In the Cederberg area, work is ongoing to replace and restring damaged poles and conductors In Citrusdal. Repair work in Algeria will commence once restoration work in Citrusdal and Lutzville has been completed.
In the Garden Route District, several areas remain without power, including Blanco farms and Harkerville, where restoration efforts are continuing.
In the Matzikama region, construction work in Lutzville is advancing well.
Recovery operations in Elgin, Papiesvlei and Stanford in the Overberg are ongoing.
Four hundred roads across the province were affected. More than 60% of these have been repaired and reopened.
He said humanitarian relief has intensified, and officials are working under difficult conditions to restore critical services as quickly as possible.
Meanwhile the Western Cape Department of Social Development funded NGOs are working alongside other relief organisations, local, provincial and national government departments and entities to provide humanitarian relief including meals, blankets, mattresses, water, blankets, baby packs and clothing.