More border ports closed due to flooding
The Border Management Authority (BMA) has announced the temporary suspension of operations at five ports of entry due to severe flooding from heavy rainfall.
The affected ports include Stockpoort, Makgobistad, Bray, Groblersbridge, and Pontdrift.
BMA Commissioner Michael Masiapto confirmed that Makgobistad Port of Entry remains closed due to flooding from the Molopo River, while Bray and Groblersbridge ports are also impacted, leading to the suspension of operations.
Pontdrift remains affected by high water levels, with operations suspended until further notice.
“At Stockpoort Port of Entry, operations have been suspended as the port is completely surrounded by water. The corridor leading to the port, the operational area, and the bridge after the port have been submerged. BMA and other law enforcement officials were stranded on the island where the Immigration Office is located, making movement impossible. In response, the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Limpopo were activated yesterday to evacuate affected employees, including all law enforcement officers, using an EMS helicopter for their safety,” said Masiapto.
The BMA also announced that Derdepoort Port of Entry, where water levels have subsided, has resumed normal operations.
Travelers and commercial operators are advised to use Ramatlabama, Kopfontein, Beitbridge, and Skilpadshek as alternative cross-border points.
The BMA will continue to closely monitor weather conditions and provide updates as necessary.
Last month, the BMA temporarily closed three border points with Botswana due to flooding.
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