R10bn needed to repair flood damage in Limpopo: Ramathuba

[File Image] Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba

Limpopo Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba says about R10 billion will be needed to address flood damages in the province.

Houses, roads and bridges have been damaged and destroyed due to floods in the Sekhukhune, Mopani, Vhembe and Capricorn districts.

Speaking during a media briefing in Polokwane, Ramathuba emphasised that while they await for the funds from national government, the province has already allocated R800 million from its budget to start with the repairs.

“Last meeting with the CEO was to say they now prioritise N1, because that is also another road which is a challenge. These are the roads that have been there this project for a very long time but this time around we have agreed with SANRAL and also with the minister we need to start to see movement in the particular road and we will be seeing movement in these roads, the issue of the 10 billion and the time frame we have done what’s needed to be done.”

WATCH | The Limpopo government has revised its projected flood relief funds from almost R4 billion to R10 billion. This follows the declaration of the flooding that affected parts of the province, including the Mopani and Vhembe districts, as a national disaster. pic.twitter.com/Bn8VOzaSO6

— SABC News (@SABCNews) February 5, 2026

Meanwhile, Ramathuba says the Limpopo government is prioritising safety and relief for affected communities, following 27 flood-related deaths that have been recorded in the province in January.

The search for a five-year-old boy who was swept away by flood waters at Mbaula, outside Giyani, and the two bakkie occupants at Tswinga village near Thohoyandou are continuing.

“The recent adverse weather conditions have resulted in substantial implication for planned public events. Our government in collaboration with the disaster management team and relevant stakeholders is actively assessing and responding to the need of affected communities. Our primary focus remains the safety and well-being of our residents, which involves ongoing damage assessment, relief intervention and also urgent restoration of essential services.”

Limpopo Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, says preliminary assessments indicate that the province may require close to R10 billion for comprehensive recovery efforts following the recent floods.https://t.co/iPyz3a79Uy #GovZAUpdates pic.twitter.com/EHzUkpiPOY

— @SAgovnews (@SAgovnews) February 5, 2026