Residents of the Skiet informal settlement in Butterworth are pleading with the government to provide proper housing after devastating floods swept through the area this week, displacing hundreds and claiming at least six lives in the Amato region.
The storm, which left a trail of destruction across the Eastern Cape, destroyed homes, washed away bridges, and disrupted schooling in multiple communities. Over 1,000 displaced individuals are currently taking shelter in community halls and schools, with many having escaped only with the clothes on their backs.
“We lost everything—our SASSA cards, IDs, and even our children’s school uniforms,” said one distraught resident. Another added, “We are staying in Skiet because the government does not provide us with water or alternative land.”
According to the Mnquma Local Municipality, 67 shacks in the Skiet informal settlement—one of the hardest-hit areas—were completely washed away, along with 73 houses damaged or destroyed across the region. Additionally, 22 schools have been affected, forcing closures and leaving children without access to education. Seven rural bridges have also been severely damaged, further isolating communities.
Municipal officials confirmed that disaster relief efforts are underway, with government stakeholders and NGOs like Gift of the Givers providing aid to those affected. The provincial government is expected to conduct a full assessment of the damage in the coming days.
As flood victims struggle to rebuild their lives, calls for long-term solutions, including proper housing and infrastructure, grow louder. For now, displaced families remain in temporary shelters, hoping for urgent intervention from authorities.
