09 Feb 2014

Residents of Francistown and surrounding areas have been warned to desist from rushing to flooded rivers and streams.

The warning came as a result of heavy rains that were experienced during the past two weeks in Francistown and surrounding areas, leading to overflowing of rivers and streams that caused flooding in some areas.

Speaking at a Disaster Preparedness Committee meeting on February 7, the principal district officer-development, Mr Boyce Mangole, said some of the areas that people rushed to were rivers and streams that had been blocked by Tati River.

Mr Mangole said to make matters worse, some people even went to the extent of standing in bridges taking pictures, thus exposing themselves to danger. He said the behaviour was worrying.

He urged police officers to stop those who took children to flooding areas to avoid drowning. With Tati River and other major ones overflowing, streams were flooding and areas such as Marang Villa apartments had been affected. No deaths occurred but property was damaged. Lojwa Mall was water logged.

He also said the road to Kgaphamadi was closed because a bridge along it was submerged. The disaster committee designated various rescue temporary areas in case the city experienced more rains. People who need help should contact the nearest police station.

The City Clerk, Mr Lebuile Israel, said those affected would have to be assisted as quickly as possible with basic needs such as shelter and food. H said one issue of concern was people who built boundary walls without providing for the discharge of rainwater.

Mr Israel explained that as the council, they will liaise with other authorities to address the situation before it caused more damage. He said the disaster committee had already communicated with schools to warn students never to play in flooded areas. ENDS