NATIONAL NEWS - Numerous Western Cape Government departments, municipalities and stakeholders are continuing mop-up and recovery operations following recent severe weather across the province.
The focus remains on restoring essential services, assisting affected communities and addressing urgent humanitarian needs.
The incidents have now officially been classified as disasters, highlighting the extent of damage to infrastructure, communities and service delivery.
Premier Alan Winde acknowledged the challenges faced by residents.
“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,” he said.
Eskom has restored electricity to about 80% of affected customers. However, difficult terrain, vandalism and cable theft have hampered progress. The Western Cape Government has strongly condemned these criminal acts.
Photo: Supplied
In the Cape Winelands District, repairs to the main power line between Boskloof and Romansrivier are progressing, while teams are addressing faults in Chavonnes, Hexrivier, Rawsonville and Witzenberg.
Work continues in Citrusdal in the Cederberg area, where damaged poles and conductors are being replaced. Repairs in Algeria will begin once work in Citrusdal and Lutzville has been completed.
In the Garden Route District, some areas, including Blanco farms and Harkerville, remain without electricity as restoration efforts continue.
Construction work in Lutzville in the Matzikama region is advancing steadily.
Recovery operations are ongoing in Elgin, Papiesvlei and Stanford in the Overberg.
Across the province, around 400 roads were affected, with more than 60% already repaired and reopened.
Humanitarian relief efforts have been intensified in affected areas. NGOs funded by the Western Cape Department of Social Development are working alongside various relief organisations and government entities to provide meals, blankets, mattresses, water, baby packs and clothing.
Photo: Supplied
On Friday, 22 May, Premier Winde visited the Mustadafin Foundation in Cape Town, which has provided hundreds of warm meals and disaster aid packs.
“The work this foundation and others do is inspiring. Thank you for your selflessness,” he said.
He also visited the National Sea Rescue Institute’s Volunteer Support Centre in Cape Town. The organisation assisted with numerous search and rescue operations during and after the storms.
“These brave women and men give their time and expertise, often at great personal risk, to help others. You are truly extraordinary,” Winde said.
The Provincial Disaster Management Centre continues to coordinate response efforts.
Residents are encouraged to contact their local authorities to report issues or obtain updates:
- Cape Winelands: 021 886 9244 / 021 887 4446
- Central Karoo: 021 449 8000
- Garden Route: 021 805 5071
- Overberg: 028 425 1690
- West Coast: 022 495 0229 / 022 495 0231
- City of Cape Town: 107 (landline) or 021 480 7700
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