Limpopo premier to assess flooded Lephalale

Limpopo premier Stan Mathabatha and four MECs will assess the extent to which the flooding in Lephalale has affected residents and infrastructure, his department said on Thursday.

 

"All of Lephalale is flooded," Mathabatha's spokesman Kenny Mathivha said.

 

"The provincial executive committee decided yesterday [Wednesday] that the area needs attention."

 

Mathabatha, health MEC Dipuo Letsatsi-Duba, transport MEC Lehlohonolo Masoga, human settlements MEC Ishmael  Kgetjepe, and public works MEC Dickson Masemola would assess the area, he said.

 

"The premier will then make a decision on whether or not to declare the area a disaster zone and take it to the president."

   

A woman in Makurunyana sustained a broken leg when her house collapsed, and was taken to a nearby hospital.

  

Malala Tau lodge was under water, and 177 families were relocated to a Witpoort Community Hall from Thabo Mbeki village.

   

Thabazimbi Jabulani informal settlement was severely affected as result of burst mining dams, Selomo said.

   

"One lane on road D3912 that connects Mametja and Botshabelo villages [in the Vhembe district] has been cut-off  completely and there is no alternative route."

 

Kgetjepe called on members of the community to be vigilant and encouraged parents to warn children not to cross or play near rivers for their own safety.

 

Selomo could not confirm whether 5000 people had been evacuated from Lephalale.

 

Beeld reported that the group was moved to higher land after the crocodile infested Mogol River began overflowing earlier this week.

 

-Sapa