After nearly four years of living in fear, eighty-one-year-old Matshediso Landela finally received the news that her days of suffering in the flood-ravaged area of Riverside in Nyakallong’s Ward 19 are numbered.

The announcement came after a long-awaited community visit by Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae and Human Settlements MEC Saki Mokoena, who confirmed that Riverside residents would soon be relocated from the neglected, disaster-prone settlement.

Landela, who has lived alone in her deteriorating home, has endured not only rising floodwaters but a string of compounding dangers. Her voice trembled with emotion as she shared her ordeal.

She recalls when her life changed forever.

“When we settled here in 1986, Riverside was a quiet and beautiful area with a river where kids used to swim. This ended five years ago when floods seeped into our homes thus wreaking havoc. We started living in fear, every rain is a nightmare,” she explained.

Her modest home, like many in the area, stands on the brink of collapse — weakened by years of flooding, rotting infrastructure, and despair.

Arriving in the area, the scale of devastation is immediate: cracked walls, rusted roofs, and a pervasive stench that speaks of long-standing neglect. For residents, it’s not just the physical damage it’s the health impact and psychological toll.

Anna Mabaso, 66, who lives a few houses down from Landela, recounted her own harrowing experiences.

“The pollution caused by the stink is the cause of all sorts of diseases such as asthma, sinusitis, and persistent coughing. We suffer from severe winter colds because of this water. The toll on us has been merciless,” Mabaso added.

She also described unbearable consequences brought by the water — snakes, swarming mosquitoes, and raw sewage.

But now, there’s finally a lifeline.

The Department of Human Settlements, in collaboration with the Matjhabeng Local Municipality, has found a relocation site for the families. MEC Mokoena assured the community that the newly appointed contractor will work quickly to complete the first phase, relocating twenty-seven (27) families by December.

The project, based in Extension 1 in Allanridge, aims to rescue over 80 families, with full completion targeted for March 2026. The construction will be spearheaded by Maqaza representatives Mmuso Makae and Tshidiso Maqaza.

Premier Letsoha-Mathae promised an open government that would provide services rather than make empty promises.

“Our priority is to better the lives of the Free State people. We made a commitment to serve you and we shall not falter. Where there are challenges, we will come back to you and inform you,” said the Premier.

She was joined by a strong delegation including MECs Ketso Makume, Jabu Mbalula, Monyatso Mahlatsi, Zanele Sifuba, Mamiki Maboya, Matjhabeng Executive Mayor Thanduxolo Khalipha, Councillor Paseka Ramatisa, and other government officials — signaling high-level support for the initiative.

As the government pledges swift and transparent delivery, the community dares to hope again.

“It’s like God remembered us. After so much fear, this feels like breathing free,” said one resident, smiling with a mix of relief and disbelief.

IOL

Source link