By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
7 April 2025- Some municipalities across the North West province were affected by the torrential rains. Even though no injuries or fatalities were reported, the impact of the floods includes discomfort.
The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi said most of the communities are residing in mud houses, while others reside within floodplains/ low lying areas (Khunotshwane and Matsatseng, near Slurry). Molapisi said most of the damages happened in disaster prone areas exacerbated by material used in construction of structures, especially informal settlements.
“In Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, the affected areas are in Mahikeng, Ramotshere Moiloa and Tswaing Local Municipalities. Some houses in Matsatseng, near Slurry, were waterlogged as well as Khunotswane in Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality.
“In Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, the affected area was ward 1 in Migdol in Mamusa Local Municipality. The areas flooded due to the poor storm water drainage system. In Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, Klerksdorp was affected by the flooding,” he said.
Molapisi further said mostly low-lying bridges were severely affected and motorists were advised to use alternative routes. He added that future intervention required communities residing in flood plains/ low lying areas to be relocated to habitable land.
“Municipalities to improve storm water drainage systems. Bridges and culverts in low lying areas need to be upgraded. Community Awareness Campaign to be enhanced as for communities that reside in disaster prone areas.
“The Provincial and Municipal Disaster Management Centres continue to monitor the situation in order to mitigate and prevent major impacts of the heavy rainfall,” said Molapisi.
The Guardian 