Picture: Situation at Khunotswane village from aerial view/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
12 May 2026 – The Democratic Alliance in Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality expresses serious concern over the continued flooding crisis in Khunotswane village, despite earlier warnings, oversight visits, and provincial escalation by the DA. In May 2025, the DA conducted oversight inspections in the affected area and raised concerns regarding inadequate stormwater infrastructure, blocked drainage flow and the impact of flooding on residents, schools and healthcare facilities.
DA Constituency Head in Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality, Cornél Dreyer said these concerns were further escalated to the North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs. Dreyer said at the time, residents already warned that the interventions implemented by the municipality were inadequate and momentary.
“Today, those concerns have proven correct. The flooding has returned, once again affecting homes, roads, schools, and clinics in Khunotswane. Learners continue to face disruptions to their education, while patients and vulnerable residents struggle to access healthcare services safely.
“It is deeply concerning that drainage channels previously opened now appear to have been closed again, while uncertainty remains over whether proper stormwater pipes were ever installed,” he said.
Dreyer further said this raises serious questions about the effectiveness, quality and sustainability of the municipality’s interventions. He added that residents are once again exposed to contaminated stagnant water, increased health risks, and deteriorating living conditions.
“This is unacceptable. The municipality has a legal and constitutional obligation to ensure proper stormwater management, disaster relief, and the maintenance of essential services during emergencies. Communities cannot continue to suffer because of poor planning, delayed responses, and short-term measures that fail to address the root causes of the flooding.
“The DA therefore calls for urgent intervention, including immediate inspection and public confirmation regarding the installation and condition of stormwater pipes. Proper reconstruction and reopening of drainage channels and culverts to restore natural water flow,” said Dreyer.
He said the deployment of the municipal yellow fleet to assist with clean-up operations and repairs to damaged infrastructure. Dreyer said provision of safe drinking water and urgent public health interventions to prevent waterborne diseases. Dreyer said they call for restoration of safe access routes to schools and clinics.
“Deployment of temporary support measures where necessary, including mobile healthcare and temporary learning facilities. The people of Khunotswane deserve sustainable infrastructure solutions and decisive leadership, and not repeated promises followed by recurring disasters,” he said.
The Guardian 