LIMPOPO – Authorities in the Mopani District have begun implementing a coordinated recovery plan following heavy rainfalls and floods that caused widespread infrastructure damage.

Mopani District Municipality (MDM) spokesperson Odas Ngobeni said the district is leading coordination efforts through the District Joint Operations Centre (JOC), working alongside sector departments, local municipalities, non-governmental organisations, and the business community.

“The work of the district is to coordinate the response by sector departments and local municipalities through the District JOC,” Ngobeni said. “However, there are specific challenges that fall directly under our mandate, particularly water and sanitation.”

Ngobeni confirmed that two water treatment plants, Mametja-Sekororo and Nondweni, remain non-operational following flood damage. Although the Tours water treatment plant has resumed operations, it is currently unable to supply all affected communities due to damage to the bulk pipeline.

“Our operations and maintenance team is attending to these issues to restore full functionality,” he said.

Responsibility for damaged road infrastructure lies with the Department of Public Works and local municipalities, while the Department of Home Affairs is assisting affected residents with the reapplication of identity documents and birth certificates lost during the floods.

The Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA) is conducting assessments to determine the extent of damage and guide long-term interventions, including the rebuilding of RDP houses.

According to Ngobeni, the immediate focus of the disaster response was to provide emergency relief to displaced families. Temporary shelters, mattresses, and food parcels have been distributed to affected households through joint efforts by government departments, NGOs, and private-sector partners.

“The priority was to ensure that no family is left without necessities while longer-term recovery plans are being put in place,” he said.

As part of ongoing relief efforts, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni is expected to visit the district to hand over school uniforms, shoes, and other essential items to families affected by the floods. The deputy president is also scheduled to visit the area next week to assess the situation and engage with local stakeholders.

“We are grateful for the support from all sectors of society who have come forward to assist the most affected communities during this difficult time,” he said.