The Gift of the Givers has stepped in to supply essential goods to the small Western Cape town of McGregor after it was cut off from the neighbouring town of Robertson for over a week due to heavy rains and flooding that destroyed a bridge connecting the two areas.
As per News24, Imtiaz Sooliman, the founder of the Gift of the Givers Foundation, commented on the gravity of the situation, stating, ‘There’s no availability of food, fuel, bottled water or essential supplies. There’s no money in the ATM; grants for the elderly, children and those with disabilities cannot be paid; many shops do not accept card payments; fuel and delivery vehicles cannot reach the locality.’
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The consequences of these shortages are far-reaching, including overflowing septic tanks, fuel and diesel scarcity and adverse effects on local businesses that depend on tourism.
According to News24, 80 residents of Takkop, McGregor, received emergency food packages via helicopter last week.
In response to the crisis, authorities have taken steps to create alternative gravel routes accessible to 4×4 vehicles. These routes will enable Gift of the Givers and other relief-providing teams to deliver supplies such as food packages, bottled water, blankets, bread, hygiene kits and baby essentials to the affected residents.
In addition to McGregor, the Gift of the Givers has been actively providing flood relief to more than 15 000 people across various municipalities in the province. Their assistance includes distributing hot meals, mattresses, new clothing, sanitary pads, diapers and fodder for horses and farm animals.
Efforts are also underway to rebuild the damaged McGregor Bridge, with construction expected to be completed before the end of October. Meanwhile, Infrastructure MEC Tertius Simmers recently visited the Langeberg municipality to assess the extensive damage to key agricultural routes.
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Langeberg Mayor Schalk van Eeden expressed optimism, stating, ‘I am excited to learn that our farmers and communities will be able to access the bridge so soon. This has had a devasting impact on our local economy, particularly our agriculture sector. This will be of great relief to the greater McGregor community; this is news that will be welcomed by the farmers.’
Simmers emphasised the impact of the floods on the province’s infrastructure, remarking, ‘Much of the McGregor community was left disconnected from the main town of Robertson. A town where many of them work and attend school as well as do their grocery shopping.’
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Picture: Gift of the Givers / Facebook
