Aid on the way for Free State community

2012-06-26 16:48

(File, Shuttertstock)

Bloemfontein - More aid was on the way for Kestel, Free State residents affected by a severe storm at the weekend, charity group Gift of the Givers said on Tuesday.

"Our building teams are already at work preparing temporary shelters in the form of Zozos [huts]," director Imtiaz Sooliman said.

A violent storm - which some described as a tornado - passed through Kestel, Bethlehem and other areas of the Thabo Mofutsanyana municipality, causing extensive damage on Saturday.

A total of 81 houses and a church were damaged, the provincial co-operative governance and traditional affairs department said earlier.

Roofs were blown off, walls collapsed and power lines were damaged, spokesperson Senne Bogatsu said. The electricity supply was gradually being restored on Monday.

Bogatsu said local shops had donated food and clothing to those in need.

Sooliman said local residents had also been generous to neighbours who had lost possessions in the storm.

"The South African spirit of ubuntu never fails, and the compassion of our people never ceases to amaze."

Sooliman said Gift of the Givers teams were on their way with tents, blankets, mattresses, clothing, food parcels, supplies for bulk feeding and hygiene packs.

- SAPA