The collapse of the Riverlands Dam wall on 7th August led to severe flooding in Malmesbury, Western Cape, displacing thousands and leaving two people missing. The disaster, which saw three retention dams fail, has put Western Cape authorities on high alert as they monitor a fourth dam, fearing it may also burst.

Humanitarian relief efforts and mop-up operations are now in full swing. The non-governmental organization Gift of the Givers was alerted to the crisis by Dassenberg residents and was subsequently called in by the Swartland District Municipality and local disaster risk management teams to provide urgent assistance. Teams are currently on the ground, conducting assessments and delivering aid to the affected communities.

Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina, accompanied by Western Cape Local Government MEC Anton Bredell, visited Riverlands to assess the situation firsthand. Majodina has called for a thorough investigation into the causes of the dam collapses. “Our engineers will start work tomorrow in collaboration with other stakeholders. While these dams are not under the direct purview of the water and sanitation department, it is our responsibility to ensure they meet required norms and standards,” she stated. The investigation teams have been active since Thursday and will remain until the inquiry is complete.

Bredell emphasized the critical need to monitor the fourth dam to prevent another collapse. “An engineer and dam specialist from the City of Cape Town have been sent to advise local authorities. We have created an outlet to lower the water level, which is being monitored hourly,” he explained. The immediate priority is to restore water access to residents. “A team from Swartland Municipality will begin restoring the water supply to the villages, a significant task that will take time. In the interim, water trucks have been arranged to deliver water to those affected, although this is not an ideal solution,” Bredell noted.

The MEC urged residents to remain calm and assist one another, particularly in accessing and transporting water. He also called on the housing department to assess the condition of damaged homes. The most severely affected residents are currently accommodated in two wards.

Efforts are also underway to restore electricity. Bredell mentioned ongoing discussions with Eskom to prioritize this task. Additionally, medical services are being provided for individuals who lost essential medications in the floods. The home affairs department is assisting those who lost identification documents.

Heinrich Robertson, spokesperson for the West Coast Disaster Management, stressed the need for decisive action in response to the heavy rain. The area’s retention dams, essential for agricultural activities, were overwhelmed by above-average rainfall. Measures were taken late on Friday to reduce the water level of the fourth dam on the Dassenberg property by creating a spillway.

Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has deployed the Emergency Housing Team to assist displaced families. “We have directed the team to provide emergency accommodation, particularly for vulnerable groups. We commend NGOs already on the ground for their assistance,” the minister said. Families are being sheltered at the Riverlands Community Bakery Centre and the Riverlands Church. However, around 100 displaced individuals have expressed reluctance to move to safer temporary accommodations due to concerns for their livestock.

The ongoing assessment will determine further interventions required to support all affected households.

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