Limpopo residents warned not to cross swollen rivers

The overflowing Mohlapitsi River in Ga-Mampa village, Limpopo.

The emergency services in Polokwane, Limpopo, have warned people not to cross swollen streams or rivers amid flooding following heavy rains.

Heavy rainfall has continued in some parts of the Vhembe, Mopani and Sekhukhune districts in Limpopo. Senior firefighter, Olley Netshimbupfe says people should not put their lives at risk.

“Even motorists who are driving cars, they mustn’t attempt at any cost if they can see that it’s flooded and they can’t pass through the river or any straight road which is flooded. So, they must just park their cars and wait for the river to slow down, for the water to go down, so that they can access the road or to pass.”

Farmers counting their losses

Livestock farmers and small-scale farmers in areas such as Dzumeri, Mphagani and Dhambi in the Greater Giyani area in Limpopo have reported damage due to the persisting heavy rains.

Farmers say there has been damage to crops, grazing land and irrigation systems.

The spokesperson for the Mopani Farmers Association, Eric Mlambo, says some farm workers have not been able to reach local farms.

“Due to the heavy rains that have destroyed our fields, grazing lands and access roads animals are suffering they are forced to hide and some of them are dying because no ground or no clean water, as farmers we are not only losing our businesses we are losing our livelihoods our workers cannot reach the farms safely.”

VIDEO| Farmers are seeking assistance:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mffZMdL3dhM

School reopening affected

Meanwhile, parents of learners at Dzumeri area outside Giyani are concerned about learners not being able to go to school as bridges have been damaged and roads are impassable. One of the parents, Salva Ngoveni, says some mud houses have started collapsing.

“This persistent rainfall is a problem. Roads are damaged. Our children can’t go to school. We can’t cook outside anymore. Houses are collapsing. It’s difficult, there’s nothing we can do.”