25 Jan 2017

Staff members of Kazungula bridge project have been forced to evacuate  their houses after they were submerged in water from the recent rains.

The most recent flooding which occurred over the festive holidays affected staff  houses at the project site located in Plateau damaging goods and putting their lives in danger.    

At a stakeholder briefing on Monday, project consultant, Mr Kobamelo Kgobokwe explained that about eight houses were flooded with no option but to evacuate the occupants.

Project manager Mr Pius Seone explained that this was the third time the site had flooded hence he decided to call all concerned stakeholders to a briefing about exploring the best possible solution as this was now an emergency.

Stakeholders present at the briefing who included physical planners, environmentalists and representatives from the Chobe District Council and district commissioner’s office all concurred that the project may temporarily use a nearby pond to drain the excess water while they sought permission from the relevant authorities. “We advise that you use the pond for draining the water for the sake of safety but you need to engage relevant authorities while doing so and engaging the general community,” said the council secretary Mr Motlogelwa Thuso.

His team of physical planners also promised to expedite the process of acquiring the rights of using the pond for draining the water but advised that Department of Lands which is the authority relevant in such matters be engaged as well.

The team was also advised to ensure that there is security at the pond where the water was to be drained as this was the same pond where two young boys lost their lives early last year from drowning.

Following the incident, the pond was drained and its depth reduced from six metres to two metres.

The physical planning reckoned that the pond was the only possible solution to drain the water as the area naturally slopes towards the direction of the pond.

The community is expected to be sensitised on the matter. BOPA