Note to Broadcasters: Please find attached soundbites in English and Afrikaans by Cornél Dreyer
The Democratic Alliance in Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality expresses serious concern over the continued flooding crisis in Khunotswane, Ward 14 of the Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality, despite earlier warnings, oversight visits, and provincial escalation by the DA (see letter here).
In May last year, the DA conducted oversight inspections in the affected area and raised concerns regarding inadequate stormwater infrastructure, blocked drainage flow, and the impact of flooding on residents, schools, and healthcare facilities.
These concerns were further escalated to the North West Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (see previous photos here, here and here).
At the time, residents already warned that the interventions implemented by the municipality were inadequate and momentary. Today, those concerns have proven correct.
The flooding has returned, once again affecting homes, roads, schools, and clinics in Khunotswane. Learners continue to face disruptions to their education, while patients and vulnerable residents struggle to access healthcare services safely (see photos here, here, and here).
It is deeply concerning that drainage channels previously opened now appear to have been closed again, while uncertainty remains over whether proper stormwater pipes were ever installed. This raises serious questions about the effectiveness, quality, and sustainability of the municipality’s interventions.
Residents are once again exposed to contaminated stagnant water, increased health risks, and deteriorating living conditions. This is unacceptable.
The municipality has a legal and constitutional obligation to ensure proper stormwater management, disaster relief, and the maintenance of essential services during emergencies. Communities cannot continue to suffer because of poor planning, delayed responses, and short-term measures that fail to address the root causes of the flooding.
The DA therefore calls for urgent intervention, including:
- Immediate inspection and public confirmation regarding the installation and condition of stormwater pipes.
- Proper reconstruction and reopening of drainage channels and culverts to restore natural water flow.
- Deployment of the municipal yellow fleet to assist with cleanup operations and repairs to damaged infrastructure.
- Provision of safe drinking water and urgent public health interventions to prevent waterborne diseases.
- Restoration of safe access routes to schools and clinics.
- Deployment of temporary support measures where necessary, including mobile healthcare and temporary learning facilities.
The people of Khunotswane deserve sustainable infrastructure solutions and decisive leadership, and not repeated promises followed by recurring disasters.