10 Jan 2017

Time has come that people who live along river banks consider relocating to safer areas to avoid loss of life and property due to flood.

Vice President Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi said this during his visit to the flood-hit areas of Phaphane ward in Mochudi on Monday.

He said even if some of the residents had not been affected by the flood resulting from torrential rains that had been pouring since the Christmas holidays, they still needed to make personal decision to relocate, which move would benefit them in the long run, adding that it was painful for one to lose their valuables.

The Vice President said no matter how difficult it could be for them to move, that was the only option they may find themselves left with.

Mr Masisi said government was concerned about the security of its citizens and therefore it was important that they appealed to land board to allocate them new plots somewhere safer.

He promised that government would intervene on their behalf so that they got special treatment and be given first priority for them to be able to relocate.

Mr Masisi said the situation posed environmental threat, especially when pit latrines were immersed in water, thereby contaminating it.

For his part, acting district commissioner for Kgatleng, Mr Boamogetswe Monyena said his office had already sent teams to assess the situation and see how they could best assist the victims.

He explained that the flood was caused by water from Bokaa Dam as it overflowed.

Kgatleng District Council chairperson, Mr Mpho Morolong likewise advised people to relocate.

Mr Morolong said many plots along the river were allocated years back while other people persuaded the land board to allocate them plots there, but it was now too dangerous for habitation.

The council chairperson said going forward there should be no plot allocation along the river banks to avoid loss of property and lives.

One of the homes that were adversely affected was the home of the area councillor, Mr David Motlhatlhedi, who said that water began to collect in his yard around 430pm on Sunday afternoon.

He said that was when his family and others began evacuating to higher land.

Councillor Motlhatlhedi said despite their promptness, he still lost some goods that were immersed in water.  ENDS