The minister for human settlements, Thembi Simelane, visited Bushbuckridge Local Municipality on Saturday, January 24, to formulate a response strategy following devastating floods that affected more than 2 000 households.

Simelane was accompanied by the MEC for co-operative governance, human settlements and traditional affairs, Speed Mashilo, and the executive mayor of Bushbuckridge Local Municipality, Cllr Matlanatso Moroane. They visited wards 14, 17 and 30.

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In a media address, Simelane outlined the extent of the damage and said government is prioritising funding to respond to emergencies.

She confirmed that interventions are under way, including the provision of temporary residential units for affected families and the construction of permanent housing as a long-term solution.

Simelane said a contractor is already on site. “We are identifying [locations] and engaging traditional leaders. People need to be relocated from where they are currently staying.”

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During the floods, a family in Bushbuckridge was forced to carry a coffin on foot, while a young woman in labour had to be transported in a trolley to reach a vehicle. A number of funeral services were affected by the road conditions.