The delegation of Acting Waterberg District Executive Mayor Cllr Dipuo Moatshe, MEC Dieetseng Mashego, Lephalale Mayor Cllr Aaron Mokgetle and MEC Makamu on a walk about in the Lephalale disaster sites.
In a decisive response to the recent flood disaster affecting the Lephalale Local Municipality, Limpopo’s Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA) MEC Basikopo Makamu, along with Health MEC Dieketseng Mashego, Lephalale Mayor Cllr. Aaron Mokgetle, and Acting Executive Mayor of Waterberg District Cllr. Dipuo Moatshe, led a joint visit to assess the situation and provide immediate support to affected communities, following the EXCO decision.
The day commenced with an integrated briefing session at the Lephalale Municipal Council Chamber, where the MECs received updates on the flood situation and ongoing response efforts from senior management and stakeholders. This session laid the foundation for a coordinated approach to addressing the urgent needs of the community.
The delegation proceeded to distribute food parcels and blankets to affected residents at the Thabo Mbeki Evacuation Centre, offering crucial relief. A total of 60 food relief packages were provided by the South African Red Cross Society, with an additional 600 packages expected from Gift of the Givers, ensuring vital sustenance to those impacted by the floods.
MEC Mashego, Acting Executive Mayor Cllr. Dipuo Moatshe, and their entourage visited key sites, including the Tambotie River Bridge, Witpoort Hospital, and the Baviaanhoek Farm Estate, where 210 farm workers are currently trapped. The delegation also paid a site visit to the Witkop road at Baviaanhoek farming communities, which have been severely affected by the heavy rains, further emphasizing the broad scope of the disaster’s impact.
The Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC) provided an overview of the institutional capacity within the Waterberg District, while the Municipal Manager presented on the status of the floods and their far-reaching impact.
Subsequently, MEC Makamu and the delegation conducted a walkabout in the floodplain of Thabo Mbeki RDP, assessing the damage and directly engaging with affected residents. The floods have tragically resulted in four fatalities and significant damage to infrastructure, displacing numerous families and impacting livelihoods.
The provincial government has committed to ongoing relief efforts, pledging to provide food, shelter, and other essential services to the impacted communities. MEC Mashego underscored the need to support local farmers, pledging assistance with livestock and crop replacement to help rehabilitate their livelihoods.
“We will continue to work as a unit to mitigate the situation in Lephalale Local Municipality,” stated MEC Makamu, highlighting the provincial government’s dedication to supporting affected communities.
In a proactive move, officials have been tasked with conducting thorough assessments of damaged infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and public buildings. The collaborative efforts between various stakeholders, such as the South African Red Cross Society, Gift of the Givers, and the Department of Health, ensure that necessary support and assistance reach those in need effectively.
The EXCO decision has laid the groundwork for a unified response to the flood disaster, reinforcing the commitment to aiding affected communities and rebuilding their hope in the wake of this calamity.
Mayors of Lephalale Cllr Aaron Mokgetle, MECs Dieketseng Mashego and Basikopo Makamu being Briefed on the Waterberg disaster situation.
The delegation also paid a site visit to the Witkop road at Baviaanhoek farming communities, which have been severely affected by the heavy rains.
Government delegation meeting Baviaanhoek farming communities, which have been severely affected by the heavy rains,