Hundreds of Families Trapped as Floods Ravage Moretele Local Municipality

Hundreds of families in villages surrounding the Moretele Local Municipality are trapped in their homes following relentless heavy rains that have flooded the region over the past weeks. The downpours have caused damage, including the near-collapse of vital infrastructure such as bridges, which has brought daily life in the area to a standstill.

One of the most critical areas affected is the Kroomkuil Bridge, which is reportedly on the brink of collapse, potentially cutting off access for hundreds of residents. The situation is further exacerbated by the compromised state of another bridge in De Grens village, a key route used by local learners from Nkutlweng to access their school.

Mayor Masango George Manyike has expressed deep concern over the unfolding crisis. “The De Grens Bridge is of particular concern because it directly affects the schooling of our children. If immediate measures are not taken, not only will education be disrupted, but daily life in the community will come to a halt,” said Mayor Manyike.

The Moretele Local Municipality, in collaboration with the local disaster management team and various stakeholders, is working tirelessly to find solutions. However, the scale of the flooding and the resulting infrastructural damage present a formidable challenge.

The floods have severely impacted residents in areas such as Moeka, Maubane, Mmotla, Carousel View, RDP Mathibestad, Kroomkuil, Mmakaunyana, and Mathibestad. Streets in these villages are eerily quiet, with families confined to their homes, unable to carry out routine activities.

Local authorities are calling for urgent intervention to mitigate the damage and prevent further hardship. The municipality is appealing to provincial and national government bodies to assist with resources to address the crisis effectively.

As the community grapples with the aftermath of the floods, the immediate priority remains the safety of residents and the preservation of critical infrastructure. The situation is being closely monitored, with further updates expected as relief efforts progress.