05 October 2023
FLOOD RELIEF EFFORTS IN McGREGOR
Following the heavy rains on 24 - 26 September 2023, McGregor was faced with the aftermath, which included major flood damage and a collapsed section of the access road to Robertson. Due to flooding on alternative gravel roads, residents and visitors found themselves stuck in the town.
McGregor households reporting flooding, strong winds, and power outages to the Langeberg Municipality's 24/7 call centre. Despite the challenges of the weather, our dedicated electrical team worked tirelessly to restore power promptly.
Concern from McGregor residents arose that their food supplies were running low. Disaster Management, together with key role players, was able to airdrop essential items for an estimated 80 people in the Takkap Farm area on 26 September 2023.
On 3 October 2023, Langeberg Municipality, together with Gift of the Givers, Capitec Bank, Disaster Management from the Western Cape Government, Cape Winelands District Municipality, the South African Police Service (SAPS), and Search and Rescue South Africa, delivered aid to McGregor. Items such as food parcels, bottled water, and blankets were handed out to those in need in and around McGregor.
The parcels could be delivered to McGregor via the alternative Boesmansrivier route, a gravel-back road between McGregor and the R317 Stormsvlei that is now safe to use by all vehicles after holes were filled and sandbags packed. Municipal waste and sewerage removal services will now proceed as normal by using this detour road to access McGregor.
Alderman Schalk Van Eeden, Executive Mayor of Langeberg Municipality, extends his sympathy to all those impacted by the storm's terrible destruction. "I want to express my gratitude to everyone who offered assistance during this difficult time. From the members of our community who have opened their homes to provide shelter to the tourist information centres, churches, SAPS, neighbourhood watch, and other non-governmental organisations that have kept our communities safe and informed."
He continued, “Our council members and ward committee members, who offered feedback on the needs of the community, as well as our municipal administration staff, who made sure that service delivery continued as far as possible,"
Van Eeden also highlighted the support received from District and Provincial Government, with mop-up operations and the current road infrastructure restoration. The collapsed approach to the Keisers River Bridge is currently under reconstruction and is estimated to reopen before the end of October 2023. The public is advised to stay clear of the construction site, as it will cause unnecessary delays.
"Despite the storm's devastating damages, I witnessed a heartwarming unity amongst our residents and governmental and private sectors, which has demonstrated that we can work in collaboration and overcome major challenges.”
Individuals or organisations who want to donate essential items to the affected households can contact Langeberg Municipality’s Disaster Management Department at