- 26 households affected by floods in the North West District
- affected families assisted with food rations and tents
- poor drainage systems, shoddy construction works exacerbated the situation
- most affected areas are Maun, Semboyo, Makakung, Tsau, Nxaraga
The North West District has not been spared from the damage caused by the torrential rains experienced in various parts of the country. The resultant flooding caused a great deal of destruction, including damage to property and road infrastructure.
North-West Deputy District Commissioner Gaborekwe Ramogaupi has revealed that areas mostly affected include, Maun, Semboyo, Makakung, Tsau and Nxaraga. In Maun alone, New Disaneng, Mabudutsa, Matlapana and Moeti were left reeling, while the rains continue unabated.
He revealed that 26 households in some parts of the district were affected by flooding following heavy rainfalls over the festive holidays consequently causing a temporary disruption to normal life and access to services.
Following the heavy rainfalls and flooding across the country, the district commissioner’s office immediately convened a meeting of the Disaster Management Team to assess the situation and come up with mitigation measures. The team is made of Botswana Police Service, Botswana Defence Force, Fire Department, Council, Social Welfare, Health and District Commissioner among others.
“21 yards in Maun were assessed, 4 in Semboyo and 1 in Makakung where relevant interventions were given to the members of the community affected,” Ramogaupi revealed in an interview.
The interventions, according to Ramogaupi, included pumping out water from flooded homes, provision of food rations and tents to those who were seriously affected. This as some villagers had their houses, furniture and food completely destroyed by the floods.
“There are three response mechanisms in terms of disaster management being the surveillance team, the rescue team and the assessment team. Social welfare office goes to the affected households for assessment which will then determine how they can be assisted,” he explained.
Despite the trail of destructions left by the floods, Ramogaupi said it was however very fortunate that no injuries or causalities were registered.
In Maun, the situation was exacerbated by poor drainage systems and also some shoddy construction works that have been undertaken in Maun. The construction works left trenches partially covered on roads, which were easily exposed by the rain water leading to flooding.
Ramogaupi has since assured that they will engage the construction companies through the District Technical Committee for intervention.
As the heavy rains continue, the deputy district commissioner has since called on members of the public to take extra caution. He pleaded with parents and guardians to keep children away from flood waters at all times and also for motorists to be cautious as some roads have been destroyed by the floods.
Communities have further been advised to take precautions when crossing low-lying bridges and also not to engage in recreational activities near dams, streams, rivers, or other water systems. Motorists were further advised to avoid parking under trees as the tree branches may fall and damage their cars.
“We urge the public to drive slowly and carefully as the road has dangerous areas. There are still potholes forming and this may create large holes on roads. Some unpaved roads going to villages like Semboyo, Makakung and Kareng there is so much water and drivers need to be extra cautious when driving to those areas,” he pleaded.
In conclusion the deputy district commissioner assured that the Disaster Management Team is always ready to assist the community as heavy rains continues.
