A crèche in Atlantis has been destroyed by a moerse tree that fell onto the building during stormy weather over the weekend.
Luckily, none of the 65 children or staff were at the Luberon Educare Centre in Sherwood Park when the giant tree crashed onto the roof just after 8pm.
On Friday, the City’s Disaster Risk Management reported flooding in various areas after heavy rainfall and strong winds.
The ECD’s entire roof was destroyed, crèche equipment broken and walls left with large cracks.
Atlantis Ward councillor, Barbara Rass, says the incident is a disaster as the centre serves the poor communities and has now been closed until a risk assessment is done.
Ward councillor Barbara Rass. Picture supplied
“The crèche serves the poorest of the poor,” she explains.
“The crèche cannot be used now and there is a lot of damage to the facility.
“Part of the facility is being repaired now.
“The wind was very strong on Friday in Atlantis.
“This will have a huge impact on the community because most of the children are at that ECD in Sherwood.
“I visited the ECD shortly after the incident happened to see what the extent of the damage is.
“The owner will be needing assistance.”
Crèche in Atlantis has been destroyed by a tree that fell onto the building. Picture supplied
Melany Andrews, the chairperson of the directive for the Atlantis ECD, says: “The one wall needs to be repaired and the damage is quite extensive to shelves and other furniture.
“Part of the tree is still lying on the building and has destroyed the roof.”
She says City structural engineers have been on the scene and indicated the building is not safe to enter.
“It’s very sad because the children are preparing for their graduation and concert which is expected to take place at the end of November.
“Most of the children are at home and most of them rely on the meal they were served at the crèche before going home.”