MBOMBELA – MEC for co-operative governance and traditional affairs (Cogta) in Mpumalanga, Mr Simon Skhosana, has warned communities to avoid flooded rivers, dams, water streams and bridges.
“The persistent rains have caused the water levels in the rivers, dams and water streams to rise. In Nkomazi, several bridges are submerged, making it dangerous to cross them,” said Skhosana.
“Information gathered by our disaster management teams dispatched on the ground indicates that rivers and dams are overflowing. Bridges connecting villages are submerged. We call upon our people not to take risks by crossing them,” warned Skhosana.
He also appealed to municipalities to activate their joint operation centres (JOCs) to coordinate disaster management activities for the safety communities. Facilities, such as community halls, church buildings and schools have been identified as part of an evacuation plan.
Skhosana urged road users to drive carefully as roads were slippery and the rain had caused damage to several roads which resulted in the closure of some of them.
Rocks were reported to be falling on the N4 between Barberton and Kaapmuiden.
“We appeal to road users to be cautious when using all the roads due to the bad weather conditions,” said Mr Skhosana.
He added the supply of water to some villages in Nkomazi might be interrupted due to the flow of mud into the water pumps. “We appeal to our communities to be patient as the problem is being attended to by our technicians,” added Skhosana.
Mpumalanga has recorded eleven drownings and rescued twelve people from March 4 to date, at various places in the province including Tonga, Nelspruit, Greylingstad, Piet Retief and Badplaas as a results of the heavy rains. ”
Among those who drowned are three children between the ages of 2 and 11. The 2-year-old boy from Piet Retief fell into a hole that was dug for erecting a pit toilet.
Further scrutiny by police revealed that the majority of the people who became victims of the floods were trying to cross over the flooded rivers and unfortunately drowned,”said Col Leonard Hlathi.
He also called on communities and motorist not to attempt to cross over flooded rivers, bridges or dams. He urged parents to look after their children and discourage them from playing around rivers and dams.
Communities are urged to call the following disaster toll free number during emergencies: 0800-202-507 .
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