The DA in Lephalale will initiate a donation drive to assist relief efforts for the people of Lephalale following the recent heavy rains that have caused significant damage across our communities. The ANC-run Lephalale Local Municipality and Waterberg District Municipality have been lethargic in their response to this crisis. Disaster management efforts have been largely inadequate and this has resulted in serious risks to resident safety.
The torrential rainfall has resulted in resident’s homes being lost with people needing to be airlifted to safety, water supply being disrupted, damage to critical road infrastructure, destruction of cemeteries, and the blockage of key access roads. View photos here, here and here.
Several roads have become impassable due to erosion, waterlogging, and debris, making it difficult for residents to travel safely and for emergency services to respond effectively. In addition, cemeteries have been severely affected, with graves damaged and in some cases exposed, causing distress to families and communities.
Blocked roads and flooding have further isolated certain areas, disrupting daily life, access to essential services, and economic activity.
We call on the relevant municipal departments and disaster management teams to urgently:
– Assess the full extent of the damage
– Assist all residents that have been displaced
– Prioritise the repair of affected roads
– Restore access to blocked routes
– Address the damage in cemeteries
We also urge community members to exercise caution, avoid flooded areas, and report any dangerous conditions to the municipality.
The DA will continue to monitor the situation closely and engage with all stakeholders to ensure that relief and recovery efforts are implemented swiftly and effectively.