Mpumalanga premier assesses the impact of floods in Ehlanzeni

The violation of spatial laws and the poor infrastructure were cited among the contributing factors that exacerbated the impact of the flood disasters in Mpumalanga.

This was the observation of Mpumalanga premier, Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, during the assessment of disaster-stricken areas in the City of Mbombela and Nkomazi local municipalities on Saturday February 18. The assessments sought to implement short- and long-term interventions in response to the disaster.

“Some of our residents have settled below floodlines, thereby violating spatial laws that regulate land management. This ultimately leads to waterlogged houses, displacement of families and fatalities. We must intensify the enforcement of municipal by-laws to prevent similar tragedies in the future,” she emphasised.

The persistent rain is causing massive damage to the roads, bridges, health and school facilities, houses, water plants and farms.

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Since it started on February 8, the provincial government, in collaboration with humanitarian, non-governmental organisations such as Gift of the Givers and the Red Cross, have been delivering relief material, including food, to the disaster-stricken areas.

Efforts are under way to repair water treatment plants to ensure water supply.

Mtshweni-Tsipane observed that the lack of storm water drainage led to the overflowing of bridges.

She said the biggest task is to restore the infrastructure, which includes raising the levels of the bridges higher.

“At almost all the bridges we have assessed, it is clear that they are too low, and therefore, as soon as the water levels rise, water flows over them. As we restore the infrastructure, we will ensure that the levels of the bridges are raised and that we build drainage systems,” she said.

The persistent rain has interrupted schooling in Nkomazi.

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With more rain predicted this week, Mtshweni-Tsipane warned communities to be on high alert. She further urged parents to keep children away from the rivers and dams to prevent drownings. She conveyed her condolences to the bereaved families of the victims who drowned.

Mtshweni-Tsipane’s delegation included the MEC for the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs, Busi Shiba, the executive mayor of Ehlanzeni District,
Cllr Jesta Sidell, the executive mayors of the two local municipalities, Phindile Magagula and Sibongile Makushe-Mazibuko, the director general, Makhukhu Mampuru, and senior managers of the provincial government.

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The delegation assessed Tekwane South in the City of Mbombela, before travelling to the Mlumati River Bridge between Driekoppies and Schoemansdal, Shongwe Boarding School, as well as the temporary accommodation shelter at Masibekela.

They also visited the bereaved Ngcane family, whose son was among the fatalities.

Mtshweni-Tsipane said many communities reside in low-lying areas within the proximity of rivers and dams, thereby exposing themselves to the risks of drowning and washing away of their assets.