Premier and MECs visit Lephalale to assess terrible flood damage

THE Lephalale area will be declared a disaster area so that the provincial and national government can assist those families affected by the recent floods.

This was according to premier Stanley Mathabatha who visited the area accompanied by corporate governance, human settlements and traditional affairs MEC Ismael Kgetjepe, economic development, environment and tourism MEC Seaparo Sekoati, and roads and transport MEC Lehlogonolo Masoga on Thursday.

“We will take what we have to help all the affected families to return their lives to normal,” he said.

The recent floods forced numerous families to leave their flooded homes and seek cover in and around Lephalale.

More than 700 families sought shelter at the town’s community hall.

One of the victims, Arnold Hlebela from Thabo Mbeki township in Lephalale said his furniture was submerged in water for more than three days.

“Water filled our houses and forced us to move to the upper hills and stay at the community hall,” he said.

Many people said they were used to their homes flooding during heavy rains, and the floods in 2008 had been worse.

Another flood victim Lesiba Hlako said he only managed to remove the smaller items from his home as it flooded very quickly.

“Our neighbours who live alongs the river were screaming for help.

“I also ran for cover. The speed at which the water was moving was very scary,” he described.