Residents of Khunotswane Village, located just outside Zeerust, are raising urgent concerns over continuous flooding that has plagued the area for the past two months. More than 35 households have been affected, with floodwaters now spreading to previously unaffected areas, worsening the situation.
Despite a recent visit by the mayor of Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality, Dinah Pitso, residents claim that no concrete measures have been taken to resolve the issue. With the rainy season still ongoing, there are fears that conditions will only continue to deteriorate.
One resident shared the struggles they have faced, stating, “We have been dealing with these floods since January 15. Houses and toilets have collapsed, and water keeps flowing into our homes, damaging furniture. Some livestock have also died. The situation has made it impossible for us to move around freely.”
Another resident described how the situation has worsened in the past week due to heavy rainfall. “We have nowhere to sleep, I have to climb onto chairs just to rest. Although I managed to find a place for my children to stay, it’s still not a sustainable solution.”
Tefo Molefe, a community representative, is calling for urgent action from authorities to address the flooding. “We are pleading with anyone who can assist with draining the water or trenching the area to prevent further flooding. If possible, we ask that people be temporarily relocated so they can enjoy their rights and safety. The situation is dire and is becoming a health risk, especially with the water levels rising above knee height in some areas.”
Residents of Khunotswane Village are now calling for immediate intervention to prevent further damage and ensure their safety as the floods continue to pose a significant threat.