Story by Aifheli Mudau
THE government has intervened to support residents of Beitbridge following recurrent flooding that has affected homes and belongings during the ongoing rainy season.
Residents of low-lying areas have continued to lament losses, including damage to household goods, food supplies, and personal belongings, raising concerns over the handling of the crisis by the opposition-led Beitbridge Municipality.
“My groceries were swept away, and even my children’s books were destroyed,” one parent said.
Another resident added, “We constantly sweep water from our homes and use buckets to remove water, but fridges, blankets and other possessions were soaked. It’s a real hardship for families here.”
Authorities have prioritised relocating those living in flood-prone areas.
“We are conducting a feasibility study to determine whether to relocate residents or improve drainage infrastructure,” Beitbridge Municipality Town Clerk, Mr Loud Ramakgapola, said.
Beitbridge West Legislator, Honourable Thusani Ndou, supported the move.
“Relocating flood-affected families to higher ground would be much safer.”
Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Albert Nguluvhe, indicated that government may consider appointing a commission to run the municipality if necessary.
“We should work together. We have also talked about the possible reallocation of the affected people, and if, as Council, you are failing, we will be forced to bring a commission to run this Municipality,” he said.
The intervention reflects the Second Republic’s commitment under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) to ensure high-quality service delivery and accelerate the country’s transformation into an empowered upper-middle-income society by 2030.
