Heavy rains from December to February displaced more than a hundred families, leaving them stranded and in urgent need of support.

Following thorough assessments conducted by the Moretele Municipality and verified by Human Settlements nationally, 97 families were identified as needing immediate aid, said municipal spokesperson Abel Mothupi Malebye. On Thursday (27/2), the families were handed materials to help rebuild their homes.

Moretele had been severely affected by the heavy rains, with widespread damage to roads, bridges, and critical infrastructure leaving more than 120 families displaced. 

Moretele municipal officials delivered relief to residents after heavy floods. Photo supplied

The 97 families received 16 IBR corrugated iron sheets, six round poles, four packets of carpentry nails, a door lock, an aluminium window with a window handle, a pallet door, and winches, said Malebye. 

In addition, six families whose mud houses collapsed during the rains will be provided with temporary relief units. These families, from various wards such as Tlholoe, Lebotloane, Mathibestad, Mmakaunyane, Lekgolo, and Dertig, had their temporary shelters erected over the weekend.

“It’s usually a norm that when dark skies start gathering, it’s a sign of a storm,” he said. “(But that) didn’t (dampen) the spirits of more than 50 people from across different wards in Moretele who waited patiently for the super link truck outside the Moeka-Vuma Police Station to finish offloading their building material.”

Community Development Services Director, Granny Temba, confirmed that the Department of Human Settlements approved a total of 105 households from the disaster cases reported and assessed in January to receive relief materials.

Meanwhile, Moretele Mayor Masango George Manyike expressed gratitude for the assistance provided by the department, emphasising the importance of these efforts.

“What is happening is a sign of a government at work. When our people were displaced by the recent heavy rains, we provided food and temporary shelter for them,” said Manyike.

“Gift of the Givers also came to donate food parcels and more. We remain grateful for all the support we keep receiving and welcome those that may come.”

OFM News previously reported on heavy floods which impacted residents in North West. The Overvaal Private School in Klerksdorp was forced to temporarily relocate to a church close by.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg