Flood victims, particularly from Mthatha and Butterworth, are still trying to pick up the pieces.
The June floods displaced thousands of people and left 103 dead.
Bereaved families had to bury their loved ones while staying in temporary shelters.
Most survivors lost everything except the clothes they were wearing on the day they escaped the floods.
With that kind of desperation, the last thing they would expect is being subjected to yet another trauma.
On Monday, we reported that Sassa had stopped providing hot meals to the victims staying at mass centres and B&Bs.
And to compound their plight, some victims might find themselves without shelter before the end of this week.
Sassa provincial head Bandile Maqethuka said that when the declaration of disaster was made, the agency had told the government that its funding of hot meals in communal facilities would be terminated by July 15.
B&B owners have confirmed receiving official notices indicating the July 31 end date for accommodating victims.
While these cut-off dates are understandable, it is distressing to note that flood victims are going hungry.
One guest house had to intervene after food had not arrived for three days and the people were visibly weak.
We salute the management for the gesture at such time of need.
The irony is that the Mnquma municipality claims it has “truckloads” of food hampers in its facilities to assist the hungry families.
Why then should people starve when food is available elsewhere?
There seems to be no proper planning as to who will take over the welfare of victims and when.
We remind those in the corridors of power that food and shelter are basic rights
A similar dilemma is likely to unfold after Thursday when flood victims have to vacate B&Bs.
Authorities in Butterworth say they have erected 30 temporary structures for them.
This is a step in the right direction but we wonder if that would be enough to accommodate everyone in need of shelter.
In Mthatha, the municipality is still in the social facilitation phase and residents where they intend to settle flood victims are resisting the move.
Though the municipality claims the land in question belongs to it, under the current circumstances any relocation might result in tensions.
Some flood victims we spoke to are also tired of staying in mass centres and B&Bs.
They want to move to places they can call their own.
However, with three days to go it is highly unlikely accommodation will be secured on time.
We remind those in the corridors of power that food and shelter are basic rights.
Their plans must not be found wanting in dealing with these important needs.
Flood victims should not be subjected to any secondary trauma.
Their welfare must be taken care off with the urgency it deserves.
Daily Dispatch
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.