Residents of Mariental's Extension Five informal settlement accuse the municipality of relocating them to a flood-prone area after heavy rain flooded their homes this week.

Residents say they feel hopeless after rainwater flooded their homes and destroyed their belongings.

One of the residents, Helena Paulus, said, "I've lived in the old spot 12 years without this. We moved two weeks ago, and now heavy rain hits. Service the area first before relocating people; they just dumped us by the river."

Veronica Shapange, another resident, added, "They didn't service the plots before moving us. Relocating again means rebuilding without zinc or nails. They must fix the land."

Also concerned is Willem Witbooi, who said, "Give us proper land or level this one to stop flooding. We're suffering losses without compensation."

CEO Paul Nghiwilepo said affected residents were permanently relocated from congested Aimablaagte to developing Empelheim, which is a 600-plot extension.

"We met them this morning and will install measures against future rain," he said. "Servicing is ongoing—soon they'll have fully serviced plots."

Meanwhile, the municipality is assessing property damage.