Flood-displaced Komani residents say basic services never came

Residents of Emabhangalweni, a temporary housing settlement near Luvuyo Lerumo High School, are living in squalor and neglect, with no access to basic services like water, electricity, and sanitation.

The community was relocated to the area by the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality after the devastating 2023 floods in Komani.

However, instead of finding relief, they were met with a new set of challenges.

“The municipality takes more than three months to come and suck the toilet,” said Banele “Pinky” Makhele, a resident.

“The water tanks have not been filled in months, and we have to go to other areas to collect water.”

Makhele claims it was better when they were living in Rhawutini informal settlement.

“Here, we are neglected. When it rains, the houses rain, and our furniture gets ruined. The doors are falling apart, and the floor is falling,” he said.

The houses are packed tightly together, posing a significant fire risk.

“When one house burns, we have to move things as it could spread to other houses,” Makhele said, adding that residents are told to fix any damage themselves, as the municipality claims it’s not their responsibility.

The situation is dire, with only five working toilets serving over 100 people. Many residents were promised temporary housing, but few have received it.

“We left old people in Rhawutini, and when it rains, their lives are in danger. They were promised houses three years ago and are still waiting,” Makhele said.

The Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality had not responded to questions sent by the time of publishing.