22 Feb 2017

As rains continue to pour in different parts of the country, the National Disaster Management Committee is on full alert for any possible disaster.

Principal programmes officer, Mr Tebogo Modiakgotla said in an interview with BOPA that since the announcement of forecasts by the metrology services, they have resuscitated the 15 district disaster management sub-committees nationwide to respond swiftly to any hazards.

“All our systems are in place to deal with any eventuality and we will be closely monitoring flood hotspots and other critical areas countrywide,” he said.

He said so far they have managed to assist the Nkange and catchment area residents through their district offices with food baskets, blankets and that one family has been assisted with a tent for shelter.

Mr Modiakgotla said they have also received reports of flooding homes that are in the catchment of the river in Ramotswa and that the district disaster management office in the district was on ground to assist residents.

He said in Lobatse some homesteads at Woodhall and Thema were also affected by floods and that they continue to monitor the situation.

Mr Modiakgotla further cautioned parents to know the whereabouts of their children during this time because in some areas some electricity poles may be affected and as such pose dangers.

Meanwhile, the police say the Gaborone-Lobatse road has been closed at Nywane Bridge because the road is inaccessible.

Assistant commissioner, Witness Bosija said in an interview that it would take some time for it to be open for traffic.

He said the Ramotswa-Boatle road at Taung level crossing has also been closed temporarily due to flooding that has made the road not traversable.

“We’ve taken a decision to stop the road for now to see if water doesn’t subside and we are waiting for the advice from roads department during the course of the day, to open it again for traffic,” he said.

Assistant commissioner said the alternative route that may be used is the Ranaka-Mogobane to T-Junction near Otse Police College or the A10 road that passes through Moshupa, Thamaga, Kumakwane to Gaborone.

He said the A3 road between Nata-Francistown and Maun was also experiencing heavy overflow and cautioned drivers to exercise caution when using the road.

“We are cautioning drivers to be on high alert because most roads are overflowing with some having developed potholes,” he said.

On other issues, he advised the public to be careful not to be exposed to danger especially at cattleposts as floods continue.

Divisional Traffic Officer South Central, Assistant Commissioner Reginald Matlhaba said police will continue to be visible for any hazards and advised drivers to keep some breaking distance while in traffic to avoid accidents.

He advised motorists to avoid speeding and to exercise patience as well as to avoid crossing at low lying water bridges.

He said traffic volumes will continue to be high because of slippery roads and that motorists should be on high alert. BOPA