Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Sesotho soundbites by Cllr Mahalia Kose and Afrikaans soundbite by Cllr Andre Kruger. See attached pictures here and here.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) will write to the Lejweleputswa District Municipal Manager to request immediate assistance for the local municipalities affected by the recent floods, ensuring urgent support to restore essential infrastructure and protect residents from further harm.
Following the recent heavy rains, the communities of Bothaville and Kgotsong have experienced significant flooding, primarily due to blocked stormwater channels and deteriorating infrastructure.
Excessive rainfall overwhelmed the existing drainage systems, while accumulated debris in the channels prevented water from flowing freely.
The drainage systems are mainly blocked due to constant sewage, leaks, and daily sewage flow. Poor infrastructure maintenance has therefore led to the systems being blocked by debris, plants, and wild grasses. As a result, several areas were flooded, leading to transportation disruptions, property damage, and heightened safety risks for residents.
The situation has highlighted longstanding challenges, including inadequate maintenance of drainage infrastructure, improper waste disposal and rapid runoff from paved surfaces. Blocked stormwater channels not only reduce the capacity of the drainage network but also increase the likelihood of water stagnation, erosion, and overflow during periods of intense rainfall.
The DA in Nala has acknowledged the inconvenience and losses faced by affected households and businesses and has accordingly reported to the municipality.
We urge Nala Municipality to immediately clear blocked channels, enhance waste management measures, and assess long-term solutions to improve the resilience of the stormwater drainage system.
We also urge residents to cooperate by avoiding dumping waste into drains and to report any clogged or damaged channels promptly.