Residents of Kuyga in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro are once again facing the devastating effects of heavy rainfall, with many homes left waterlogged and families struggling to cope. The community is now pleading with the municipality to provide better housing, as frequent flooding continues to disrupt their lives.
A Recurring Nightmare
Every time heavy rain falls, Kuyga residents—particularly those in informal settlements—bear the brunt of the flooding. Overnight rains left homes inundated, forcing families to spend the morning cleaning up and bracing for more potential downpours.
“This area is flood-prone,” said one resident. “Whenever it rains, water rises to the middle of our houses. We live in constant fear that things will get worse.”
While this morning’s rainfall did not cause as much damage as in previous years, residents remain anxious, especially with more rain forecasted in the coming days.
A Family’s Struggle
Beauty, a Kuyga resident, shared her family’s ordeal. Her home was flooded, forcing her to begin a cleanup operation just to make the space livable.
“The water comes inside from all directions—through the roof and from outside,” she explained. “My grandchild can’t even play inside because the floor is always wet. We have to wait for the sun to dry things out.”
Adding to their hardship, Beauty and her husband are both battling tuberculosis (TB). She says their living conditions make recovery nearly impossible.
“Taking medication feels pointless because the cold and dampness make our TB worse,” she said. “We’re living in borrowed time. If the wind and rain get stronger, our house might collapse.”
A Call for Dignified Living
Frustrated and exhausted, Kuyga residents are urging the municipality and national government to fulfill long-standing promises of proper housing.
“We just want a safe, dry place to live,” Beauty pleaded. “We deserve dignity—not waking up to wet beds, cold nights, and flooded floors.”
The community is demanding immediate intervention before the next heavy rain leaves them in an even more dire situation.
Municipal Response Awaited
As of now, there has been no official response from the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality regarding the residents’ pleas. However, with the rainy season ongoing, the pressure is mounting for authorities to act swiftly.
For now, Kuyga’s residents continue to endure the harsh reality of life in a flood-prone area—hoping that this time, their cries for help will finally be heard.
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