Central SA
North West communities urged to be cautious amid heavy rains─── 07:05 Wed, 22 Feb 2023
Communities throughout the North West province, especially those in low-lying areas, have been urged to exercise caution as the province continues to experience heavy rainfall.
The MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Nono Maloyi, says the heavy rains caused flooding in areas such as Tswaing, Mahikeng, Rustenburg, Moretele, Matlosana, JB Marks and Lekwa Teemane municipalities.
"The most affected communities are those living in flood prone areas, such as below flood lines, in wetlands, and in residential areas surrounded by water dams."
Maloyi says Cogta, through the Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC), has activated a team across all local and district municipalities to assist communities affected by the floods, according to the SA government news agency.
He said officials from the disaster management centres in the affected municipalities have been on the ground to conduct assessments to determine the extent of damage and to coordinate various interventions from stakeholders, which include the Red Cross, the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa), Gift of the Givers, government departments and other social partners.
In the Lekwa Teemane municipality in the 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 municipality and in Orkney Vaal in Matlosana municipality were evacuated and are currently staying with friends and relatives.
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In Deelpan, in the Tswaing municipality, more than 20 people agreed to be evacuated. They are being accommodated in a local community hall.
With more rains predicted, Maloyi says the PDMC continues to monitor and coordinate interventions and recovery measures in order to avoid life-threatening and emergency cases.
He says disaster management officials remain on high alert as heavy downpours continue. "The roads are slippery and we therefore urge road users to drive carefully. Those living near rivers or dams must monitor water levels and evacuate as soon as they rise.
"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 centres in case of flooding or any other incidents."
