Residents of Mokgola village in North West say they have been abandoned after repeated flooding once again destroyed their homes and livelihoods, accusing the provincial government of failing to deliver on promises to help rebuild damaged structures.
Community members describe being trapped in a cycle of devastation and recovery, with many still waiting for assistance long after the latest heavy rains.
Two residents, whose mud houses were damaged by recent heavy rains, were still waiting for help when the flooding struck again. One of them says she has been waiting for a promised temporary structure and has built a shack in the meantime. The other, who is unemployed, says the lack of income has made it difficult to rebuild their lives.
The residents also state they are beneficiaries of RDP houses but have not received them, with one reference made to the year 2004.
Authorities say a total of R18 million has so far been spent on repairing flood damage across affected municipalities, including bridge repairs. The provincial government notes that projects are at an advanced stage of implementation and are expected to be concluded by June 2026. As part of a long-term solution, a comprehensive disaster risk assessment will be initiated for areas in the Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality, including Mokgola village, to address all disaster-related risks.
Cooperative Governance Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa, during his latest visit to the province, urged municipalities to provide information on affected areas so that funds can be dispersed accordingly. “We have released money in relation to the intervention. Now we are making follow-ups to municipalities because we just don’t simply throw money. Municipalities give us the information, the areas that were damaged, and then we dispense money accordingly,” Hlabisa said.
However, residents argue that the government’s intervention has done little to change conditions on the ground, leaving families still waiting for the most basic shelter.
