Over the past few weeks, Moretele Local Municipality has been hit with disruptive, heavy downpours and strong winds that have caused floods that have caused flooding in homes affecting the community negatively in Moretele.
Spokesperson of Moretele Municipality, Mr Mothupi Malebye, said the affected areas are Makapanstad, Mathibestad, Ramaphosa, Maubane, Danhouse, Moeka and Mmotla including the Majaneng area.
The Mayor of Moretele, clr Masango Manyike, said since the floods, the municipality has already distributed food Parcells to the affected household, and they are working hard to improve the stormwater drainage system as a long-term plan for the municipality.
In the Majaneng community in Hammanskraal, Tshwane, some 300 dwellings are alleged to have been flooded as a result of the severe rainfall.
Neighbors who were not affected by the flash floods have provided accommodated some of the affected fellow residents.
Members of the South African National Civic Association (Sanco), said it is common that when it rains heavily in the area, people’s homes and shacks are inundated by those affected.
Mr Joseph Tshewane of SANCO said there are no stormwater drains in the region, and SANCO has tried to work with the local councilor in the past, but to no avail.
Mr Tshewane said, “This place has suffered a lack of development for a long time and today, it is the result of this underdevelopment as people find themselves in the midst of the floods.
“Ever since it has been raining the water has been going into people’s homes, but today it is a mess. If we can find a machine to suck the water out of the homes and also get a tractor to dig furrows to direct the water that’s all the people need.”
On 27 December 2021, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued a level 6 weather warning for severe thunderstorms. Infrastructure, settlements, automobiles, cattle, and livelihood might all be harmed, according to reports.
The National Weather Service has advised residents in the vicinity to stay indoors if at all possible, avoid metal objects, and postpone travel plans.
The community is also advised to keep in touch with their local disaster manager, council leader, or keep in contact check of the media for updates.
SA Meteorological Services Forecaster, Ms Venetia Phakula, said heavy downpours are expected in parts of Gauteng Province, which could result in flooding of highways and low-lying regions.
Ms Phakula said, “For today, we are expecting an 80% chance of rain throughout the day and there is a minor risk of rain in Pretoria on 28 and 29 December 2021.
On Tuesday, 28 December 2021, temperatures reached a high of 27°C with partly cloudy conditions. Temperatures will reach 28°C on Wednesday.
“There is a 60% chance of thundershowers on Thursday and New Year’s Eve. As the week progresses, more information will be released.”
