By Mapaballo Borotho

- Westbury residents are still without proper shelter after heavy rains damaged the roofs of 20 flat units in the area last week.
- Ward councillor Marilyne Smouse says emergency repairs have been carried out and contractors appointed to repair the remaining damage.
- The affected community is also grappling with ongoing concerns over gang violence and shootings.
Westbury residents are still without proper shelter after heavy rains damaged the roofs of 20 flat units in the area last week.
The adverse weather conditions left several families with damaged homes and limited space to live.
Ward councillor Marilyne Smouse of the Patriotic Alliance says the shelter crisis could continue if the damage is not addressed urgently.
She also warned that similar incidents could affect neighbouring Claremont should severe weather conditions persist.
Smouse told Kaya News that officials have already conducted an oversight visit to the affected homes.
“The way forward was that the EMS came into the affected area and did some restoration to the roof. Contractors have already been appointed for the blocks that are still damaged,” she said.
Smouse has called on the Human Settlements Department to prioritise the matter and ensure that repairs begin as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, residents in Westbury continue to face broader challenges, including concerns over crime and gang violence.
Residents say they remain fearful as shootings and alleged gang-related violence continue to affect the community, with some incidents reportedly taking place in broad daylight.
Westbury is also among the areas where President Cyril Ramaphosa ordered the deployment of South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members as part of efforts to tackle gang-related violence.
However, some residents have criticised the deployment, saying they have seen little improvement in the security situation.
Community leaders have also questioned the effectiveness of the intervention, saying violent crime remains a concern despite the presence of soldiers in the area.
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