Communities cautioned to be vigilant during heavy rains

MEC for Cooperative Governance & Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Nono Maloyi, has urged communities throughout the province especially those staying in low lying areas, to exercise caution as the province continues to experience above normal rains.

The North West province like many other parts of the country has been receiving heavy rains in the past days causing flooding in areas in Tswaing, Mahikeng, Rustenburg, Moretele, Matlosana, JB Marks and Lekwa Teemane local municipalities. The most affected communities are those staying in flood prone areas such as below flood lines, wetlands and those staying in residential areas surrounded by water dams.

The department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs through the Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC) has activated a team of disaster management officials across all local and district municipalities to respond to incidents throughout the season and to assist communities affected by the floods.

The officials from the disaster management centres in the affected municipalities have been on the ground to conduct assessments to determine the extent of the damages and to coordinate various interventions from stakeholders which include the South African Red Cross Society, SASSA, Gift of the Givers, government departments and other social partners.

In Lekwa Teemane in Dr Ruth Segmotsi Mompati district, all the residents, mainly business owners have been evacuated after the Bloemhof dam sluice gates were opened. Some residents in JB Marks local municipality and in Orkney Vaal in Matlosana local municipality were evacuated and are currently staying with friends and relatives. In Deelpan in Tswaing local municipalities, more than twenty (20) people agreed to be evacuated and they will be accommodated at a local community hall.

With more rains predicted, Maloyi said the department through the PDMC, continues to monitor, coordinate interventions and recovery measures in order to avoid life- threatening and emergency cases. He said the disaster management officials remain on high alert as the heavy downpours continue.

“We would like to let communities know that our officials are on high alert and continue to monitor the situation. The roads are slippery and we therefore urge road-users to drive carefully. Those in the proximity of the rivers or dams must monitor the water levels and must evacuate as soon as the water level rises”, he said. Maloyi further cautioned communities not to endanger their lives by crossing rivers or bridges and walking under power lines.

“Although no major incidents have been reported since the start of heavy downpours, members of the public are urged to contact their municipal disaster management centers in case of flooding or any other incidents”, said MEC Maloyi.

Source: Government of South Africa