–as floodwaters continue to rise

WITH floodwaters rising to 11 inches in some parts of Kwakwani, Region Ten, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) and Kwakwani Neighbourhood Democratic Council (KNDC) are working closely together to establish shelters for residents who have been severely affected by the natural phenomenon.

Speaking with this newspaper via telephone, Vice Chairman of the KNDC, Cort Simeon, said floodwaters in the community of Lamp Island had risen to 11 inches after persistent rainfall from the night before.
Additionally, he said that severe damage to the main access road and other roads in Kwakwani have been reported.

“Rain, lots of rain. We got some breakaway on some roads. Roads are damaging up due to the rainfall, the kokers can’t take off some of the excess water so that is causing the roads to damage up,” Simeon said.

He related, however, that preparations have begun for the establishment of shelters. Previously, during periods of severe flooding, the NDC would utilise schools as shelters, but now that schools have reopened alternative locations are needed in order to house residents who have to be relocated.

“In terms of shelter, the NDC and the CDC are in discussions now trying to get a place to prepare for shelter, because last year we would have used the schools and the hostels but this year we got school going on and we have children in the dorms,” Simeon said.

Up to press time on Thursday, Simeon said that at least four families from the Lamp Island area in Kwakwani have been displaced.
In 2021, residents of Kwakwani were hit with devastating floods that reached 16 feet and, in some parts of the community, completely covered several homes.

The NDC vice chairman noted that residents have not yet quite recovered from the previous flood.
Simeon related that the waters of 2021 phenomenon had not fully receded; however, residents were getting by.

In light of the ongoing situation, hampers and relief packages are being prepared for the residents.
Simeon urged persons living in vulnerable areas of the community to consider moving to higher grounds during the rainy season.

“There isn’t anything that the authorities can do; people don’t want to move from where they living. Previously, people would have asked for lands to move to higher grounds but some people don’t want to move. People have to move,” the vice chairman said.