Premier Supra Mahumapelo has urged North West residents to exercise extra caution during this rainy season after three people drowned this week.

According to Brian Setswambung, Premier’s spokesperson, a primary school boy in Leporung near Makgobistad drowned while attempting to cross a stream. Two other people died in Phokeng after their vehicle was swept away by overflows.

He says that preliminary indications are that the Ratlou, Kagisano-Molopo, Greater Taung, Ramotshere Moiloa, Mahikeng, Moses Kotane, Rustenburg, Maquassi Hills and Matlosana local municipalities are the worst affected areas in the province.

‘The officials from the Departments of Local Government and Human Settlement as well as Community Safety and Transport Management have been deployed around the province to evaluate the extent of damages caused by the on-going rainfall and provide assistance in cases of emergencies.

‘To this end, Joint Operation Centres comprising representatives from District Disaster Management Centres and all sector departments have been established, to deal with cases as reported by affected communities on daily basis,’ he said.

Premier Mahumapelo conveyed his message of condolences to the bereaved families. ‘Words are never adequate in moments like these. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the families during this sad time. We send our sincere sympathies to the families of the deceased,’ he said.

He also urged the people of Bokone-Bophirima to remain focused, united, obey rules of the roads, look after their children, and report potential flood incidents to their District Disaster Management Centres.