- During a powerful storm last Thursday, Goodwood Neighbourhood Watch patrollers quickly responded to uprooted trees and flooding in the area.
- The patrollers cut down and cleared trees at several locations, ensuring safe passage for residents.
- Charlotte Powell from Disaster Risk Management reported that mop-up operations are ongoing, with significant efforts being made to assist affected residents and restore services.
In the early hours of last Thursday morning, two Goodwood Neighbourhood Watch patrollers sprang into action, cutting up two trees that were uprooted by a powerful storm.
The first tree was located at 41 Wellington Street, while the second was in Versfeld, between Spencer and Riebeeck streets.
Leona van Wyk, chair of the Goodwood Neighbourhood Watch, reported that the storm caused several similar incidents and widespread flooding throughout the area. “Patrollers were on high alert and reporting where roads were flooded and trees uprooted,” said Van Wyk.
In addition to the two patrollers’ efforts, they also assisted with two other trees. “One of our other patrollers, Eddie, went to check on trees at Koos Sadie and moved them out of the road, clearing branches off sidewalks to ensure people could walk freely,” Van Wyk added.
The Goodwood Neighbourhood Watch patrollers are committed to assisting the community in adverse circumstances. “Patrollers regularly do what they did yesterday when the weather is bad. This is routine for them, never a one-off,” emphasised Van Wyk.
The dedication and quick response of the Goodwood Neighbourhood Watch highlight the importance of community-driven initiatives in ensuring safety and support during challenging weather conditions.
Mop-up operations
Charlotte Powell, spokesperson for Disaster Risk Mangement says mop-up operations are ongoing and will continue for the next few weeks. “Since Wednesday 3 July we have recorded the following affected structures – 47 663 and people – 158 097. We continue working with provincial, and national governments (SASSA/DSD) and NGOs to assist with soft relief,” says Powell.
According to Powell their teams continue to respond to milling requests, the pumping out of water from flooded structures, the supply of flood kits and other services such as the restoration of electricity, waterworks and removal and cutting of fallen trees and those that may pose a risk to properties and residents.
“Unfortunately, due to the scale of the impact of the weather we cannot provide area detailed information. Assessments are ongoing,” says Powell.
The City continues to monitor, and respond to the impacts from the inclement weather experienced in recent days. Drop-off points were chosen for their accessibility.
