Nono Maloyi, the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) in the North West, has encouraged all communities in the province to use care, particularly those in low-lying regions, as the region continues to suffer above-average rainfall.
“Like many other regions of the nation, the North West province has recently experienced significant rains that have resulted in flooding in places including Tswaing, Mahikeng, Rustenburg, Moretele, Matlosana, JB Marks, and Lekwa Teemane Local Municipality.
Communities that live in flood-prone locations, such as those that are below flood lines, in wetlands, or in residential neighborhoods near water dams, are the most impacted, according to Maloyi.
Maloyi stated that a team of disaster management officials from all local and district municipalities have been activated by the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs through the Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC) to respond to incidents throughout the season and to aid communities affected by the floods.
He stated that representatives from the disaster management centers in the affected municipalities have been on the ground to coordinate various interventions from stakeholders, including the South African Red Cross Society, South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), Gift of the Givers, government departments, and other social partners, and to conduct assessments to ascertain the extent of damage.
“Once the Bloemhof Dam flood gates were opened, all residents—mostly business owners—of Lekwa Teemane in the Dr Ruth Segmotsi Mompati District were evacuated. Several inhabitants of the JB Marks Local Municipality and the Orkney Vaal Local Municipality in Matlosana were evacuated and are now living with friends and family, according to Maloyi.
More than 20 residents of Deelpan, Tswaing Local Municipality, consented to an evacuation and would be housed in a nearby community center.
Maloyi said the agency, working with the PDMC, continues to monitor and coordinate interventions and recovery actions in order to prevent life-threatening and emergency situations as additional rain is expected.
Those in charge of disaster management, he added, are still on high alert as the torrential rains continue.
“We want to let the locals know that our officers are on high alert and are still keeping an eye on the situation. We advise drivers to use caution since the roadways are slick.
“People who live [in close] proximity to rivers or dams must keep an eye on the water level and must leave as soon as it rises.
Despite the fact that no significant issues have been recorded since the start of the downpours, the MEC advised the public to call their local disaster management center in the event of flooding or any other incidents. – SAnews.gov.za
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