Road damage poses danger
In the meantime, we urge our people not to risk their lives by crossing them until it is safe to do so," appealed Skhosana.
KOMATIPOORT – On Monday the MEC for cooperative governance and traditional affairs (Cogta), Mr Simon Skhosana, visited the subregion to hand over food parcels and blankets to flood-stricken families, and also inspected the damage to the infrastructure.
Accompanied by the Nkomazi Local Municipality’s executive mayor, Cllr Thulisile Khoza, he visited Mekemeke Village near Louisville to hand over provisions to 38 affected families.
According to Skhosana the provision formed part of the government’s relief efforts for flood victims. He also went to the family of flood victim, Faniki Mandlazi, who reportedly drowned in a river at Jeppe’s Reef last week. He expressed his condolences to the bereaved family.
He told them his visit was in line with government’s responsibility to give people hope under all circumstances. Skhosana also inspected several bridges at Mzinti, Tonga and Mlumati to determine the extent of the damage. He appealed to motorists and pedestrians to use alternative roads in areas where bridges had been damaged or submerged.
“The department is coordinating the reconstruction of these bridges. We have discussed the matter with sector departments. In the meantime, we urge our people not to risk their lives by crossing them until it is safe to do so,” appealed Skhosana. Municipalities in Mpumalanga are on high alert to assist people in emergency cases.
Skhosana further urged residents to call the disaster toll-free number on 0800-20250 to report emergencies. Meanwhile the spokesman for Nkomazi, Mr Cyril Ripinga, confirmed that the two children reported missing by their mother when her house had been swept away by floods last week, had been found.
According to Ripinga the children managed to escape to a neighbour’s house. He appealed to communities where bridges were submerged to refrain from crossing them.
“Water levels at some of the low-water bridges were now declining, but some were still submerged. Although it might look safe, the current can be strong enough to wash a vehicle off a bridge,” explained Ripinga.
He also reassured Malalane residents that despite their water having a slightly muddy colour, it was completely safe for consumption. “We are monitoring water levels at the various water treatment plants that we had to shut down due to flooding.”
