The Limpopo Provincial Government has assured residents that it is fully prepared to assist communities affected by flooding, which has caused widespread damage to roads and infrastructure in parts of the Waterberg, Vhembe and Mopani districts.
The Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure has dispatched engineers to assess the extent of the damage in the affected areas.
The damaged road infrastructure includes the D972 outside Vaalwater and the D192 in Mokgalakwena in the Waterberg District; the D3681 between Tshikunda and Vhufuli in Thulamela Municipality; and the D3830 at Mbhokota village, outside Louis Trichardt in the Vhembe District, as well as several routes in parts of Mopani District.
"Our teams, working together with the disaster management teams of municipalities and sister departments, will be on the ground to assess the extent of the damage caused, as well as ensuring that we come up with both temporary and long-term solutions to the challenges we are faced with as a province.
“We further advise all communities, road users in particular, to avoid flooded roads and bridges during this period and that they must also prioritise their safety," MEC for Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure, Ernest Rachoene, said on Sunday in a media statement.
Premier Phophi Ramathuba said the current floods are a stark reminder of warnings issued by the South African Weather Service, indicating that Limpopo remains at risk until the end of March 2026.
The weather service issued a warning for disruptive rainfall in the province from 14 to 15 March, with conditions likely to result in localised flooding in susceptible areas, potentially affecting roads, bridges, properties and municipal services.
With some areas experiencing over 100mm of rain in the last two days, the provincial government has asserted that it stands vigilant and proactive in its response to the ongoing crisis.
"We have received numerous distress calls, particularly from residents in affected districts where essential roads have been destroyed. Incidents, such as mudslides along the R523 between Khalavha and Sibasa and major challenges on the R33 in Waterberg, have been reported. Many low-lying bridges are submerged, rendering roads impassable to schools and health facilities," the Premier said.
Considering these pressing circumstances, Ramathuba reassured residents that the Provincial Disaster Management Team is actively addressing these urgent needs.
However, she cautioned that the saturated conditions may lead to delays in reaching some isolated areas.
"We urge our residents to remain calm and prioritise their safety by avoiding flooded rivers and minimising movement as much as possible," she said.
Meanwhile, the province has observed the Nwamanungu (Middle Letaba) Dam overflowing for the first time in years, posing a dire threat to communities previously spared from the floods.
The Limpopo Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC) is fully prepared to assist all affected communities. Residents are encouraged to report any incidents using the toll-free number 0800 222 111 or by contacting their local municipal offices.
Moreover, the Premier said an appeal to the national government will be made for the immediate reconsideration of funding to address the urgent needs arising from the ongoing disaster.
"The challenges the province faces are overwhelming, and the residents deserve to have the resources necessary to navigate them," she said. – SAnews.gov.za
