North West Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PMDC)
By Thobeka Makume
The North West Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PMDC), in collaboration with Municipal Disaster Centres, remains on high alert following heavy rainfall that has caused significant damage across the province. The downpours have led to the destruction of infrastructure and properties, prompting immediate response efforts from local authorities.
Extent of the Damage
North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Gaoage Oageng Molapisi, reported that both formal and informal houses have been damaged. Municipal infrastructure, including culverts, roads, and bridges, has also suffered. Notably, the Kromkuil bridge in Moretele has collapsed, and numerous houses in the Moretele, Rustenburg, JB Marks, Ditsobotla, Ratlou, and Mahikeng Local Municipalities have been flooded. Additionally, roofs of houses in Mokgola (Ramotshere Moiloa) and Ledig (Moses Kotane) were blown away. Mud houses in Moshwaneng (Ratlou Local Municipality) are at risk of collapsing. Public amenities, such as Lehurutshe Hospital, Moses Kotane Hospital in Ledig, and General De La Rey Hospital in Lichtenburg, have also been affected. 
Immediate Response and Relief Efforts
Disaster management teams are on the ground conducting needs and impact assessments. The provincial preparedness and response contingency plan has been activated, with various sector departments and municipalities mobilized to respond to emergencies using their resources. The National Department of Human Settlements has provided Temporary Residential Units (TRUs) for those whose homes have been damaged. Affected departments are reprioritizing their budgets to address the pressures created by the flood disaster incidents. The Department of Social Development and the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) have profiled affected families, providing Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grants where necessary. Humanitarian organizations, including Al-IMAAD and Gift of the Givers, have offered relief in areas like Ditsobotla, supplying hygiene packs, blankets, food parcels, and mattresses. The Red Cross has donated 100 blankets to the Bojanala District Disaster Management Centre.
Infrastructure Challenges and Long-Term Interventions
Blocked drainage systems have been identified as a significant cause of flooding in many areas. MEC Molapisi has directed sector departments and municipalities to budget for proactive disaster management activities to prevent such incidents in the future. As part of long-term interventions, municipalities are advised to maintain road infrastructures and stormwater drainage systems regularly to reduce flooding risks. The Department of Public Works and Roads, in collaboration with municipalities, will undertake repairs of damaged roads, bridges, and culverts. The Department of Human Settlements is set to repair all affected RDP houses. Municipalities are also encouraged to incorporate disaster risk reduction into development planning and develop bylaws with enforcement strategies to enhance community resilience.
Ongoing Vigilance and Weather Forecasts
The PMDC, in collaboration with the South African Weather Service (SAWS), continues to issue severe weather early warnings to stakeholders and communities. SAWS predicts that the province will experience above-normal rainfall throughout the autumn season, necessitating ongoing vigilance and preparedness.
Community Impact and Personal Accounts
The recent heavy rains have had a profound impact on local communities. In Deelpan village, residents have faced repeated flooding incidents, leading to significant property damage and displacement. One resident expressed frustration, stating, “I lost everything I have worked for. This is not the first time we have experienced a disaster like this in Deelpan, where the government does nothing for those who will not recover, like us.” 
Government Accountability and Infrastructure Concerns
Concerns have been raised regarding the quality of infrastructure development and maintenance. In Ramogodi ward 17, part of the Madibeng municipality, residents blamed substandard work by contractors for the severe damage caused by floods. A resident involved in the project remarked, “The job they did was substandard but the municipality failed to check the quality of work before they paid the full amount to the contractor.” 
Historical Context of Flooding in North West Province
The North West province has a history of flood-related challenges. In early 2023, heavy summer rains led to a national disaster declaration due to widespread damage, including in the North West region. Residents were evacuated, and infrastructure suffered significant harm. 
Economic Impact and Recovery Efforts
The economic impact of the floods is substantial, with preliminary assessments estimating damages over R100 million. Reconstruction and rehabilitation of infrastructure are critical to restoring normalcy and supporting economic recovery in the affected areas. 
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