EC flood survivors may need to wait up to 3 months to be housed
The death toll from the devastating floods remains at 101, with two children, aged eight and twelve, among an estimated 20 people still missing.
A home in Mthatha was partially destroyed during flooding in the area on 11 June 2025. Picture: Jacques Nelles/EWN
MTHATHA - Flood survivors in the Eastern Cape may have to wait up to three months to be housed as government begins the long process of finding land and building temporary homes.
The death toll from the devastating floods remains at 101, with two children, aged eight and twelve, among an estimated 20 people still missing.
More than 1,000 have been destroyed and while emergency shelters remain in place, officials said permanent solutions would take time.
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Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) MEC Zolile Williams said the housing process involved identifying suitable land, completing structural assessments, and building temporary units.
"It’s difficult to estimate time, but at least two to three months, I think those people will be moved properly."
The Eastern Cape government said it was working with municipalities and national departments to coordinate land use and expedite emergency housing, while maintaining safety standards.
In the meantime, hundreds of families remain in temporary shelters across districts, including OR Tambo, Ngqeleni, and Port St Johns.
With recovery efforts now shifting from search to reconstruction, officials have promised that flood victims won’t be abandoned.