17 Mar 2026

Tswapong count losses after heavy downpours

As massive rains continue to lash various parts of the country, Lerala and its surroundings have suffered significant damage, with the true extent of the destruction unfolding in the aftermath of flooding.

Speaking in an interview, Ms Mogametsi Ratlale, Community Development Officer I-Extension, Palapye District Council, said three houses in Lerala had collapsed without causing fatalities.

‘’We have also received various reports of dead livestock,’’ she said, adding that it is mostly reports of goats that drowned in their kraals. So far three farmers have lost a total of 62 goats, 111 chickens, a fence and water melons that have been washed due to the torrential rains in Lerala.

Ms Ratlale stated further that six houses at various ploughing fields in Lerala had collapsed as a result of the continuing cloudburst. With further substantial damage anticipated to both property and livestock.

Ms Ratlale has made call to Lerala residents and the nearby areas to contact her office so that assessments could be carried out with a view to bringing in interventions where necessary.Schools in Lerala have also been temporarily closed until the situation improves.

‘’I would also like to plead with people to exercise caution in areas where there is still a lot of water and urge them to call authorities for assistance,’’ she said, adding that the most affected ploughing fields were the Lephane fields situated along the Majwaneng/Steinberg road.

For his part, Assistant Superintendent Kemang Masoka of Maunatlala Police said heavy rainfall that started in the early hours of Sunday in and around Seolwane had dealt internal roads and homesteads a hard-blow, forcing the police to rescue three people from cattle posts in the area from life-threatening waters.

According to Superintendent Masoka, 10 houses in Mosweu and 42 individuals have been affected, resulting in an estimated P4,000 worth of damage to property.

“In Seolwane, 21 households have been affected, with P8,400 worth of damage reported,’’ he said, adding that Maunatlala was also counting losses estimated to be slightly over P3,200 to date.

 

...as flooding leaves trail of destruction in Khwai

The flood situation in Khwai is worsening with about 37 households affected, of which 17 have been relocated to safer places.

Khwai was hit by severe flood early March, displacing families, disrupting access to education, shelter and healthcare services.

In an interview, North West assistant district commissioner, Ms Omphile Mogorosi said more families were rescued from low-lying areas to safer places.

She said the residents were hopeful that the floodwater would subside so that they could return to their normal lives, but the situation continued to worsen increasing the risk of disease outbreaks, among others.

Ms Mogorosi highlighted that the overflowing water had surrounded the village causing significant distress requiring urgent and collective rescue efforts.

She however appreciated the disaster management team for assisting affected families with the necessary relief while ensuring readiness for potential exacerbation of the crisis.

While, some families had been given tents, she said some found refuge at the Trust office.

She further said efforts to resume lessons for 12 Standard 7 pupils was still ongoing, as they wanted to ensure that the learners were not affected as the primary school was still temporarily closed.

In addition, he said the flood situation had also affected some tourism camps operating in the area, adding that Khwai area was a hotspot for safari camps offering everything from luxury tented to guesthouses.

Some camps, she said were surviving the waterflows because they used suspended wooden decks to ensure their structures remained dry while surrounded by water.

Water resource engineer from department of Water and Sanitation, Mr Kesie Marovu pointed out that they were anticipating more possible flooding this year as the water continue to rise in the delta.

All most all the channels across the delta, he said were overflowing due to the torrential rains experienced, noting that as from December to date, Mohembo River water level was high.

He also pointed out that the outflow channels of Thamalakane and Boteti rivers were flowing citing that the flood head along the Thamalakane river reached Borolong plant and since then water levels had been gradually increasing to date.

He pointed out that the flood head along the Boteti channel had reached Makalamabedi bridge in October while the Matsebe and Xudumo floods head stopped at 12km and 17km from buffalo fence.

“As we anticipate a good hydrological year, our finding underscores the importance of continued vigilance and proactive measures to manage water resources effectively and mitigate potential impacts on communities and ecosystem. As department, we remain committed to our mission of safeguarding water resources and fostering sustainable water management practices for the benefit of all stakeholders,” added Mr Marovu.ENDS