Key Takeaways
- Severe flooding in Mpumalanga has caused damage to roads and infrastructure, with estimated costs exceeding R3.5 billion.
- Residents downstream of the Senteeko Dam have been ordered to evacuate immediately due to the risk of imminent structural failure.
- The dam’s spillway has suffered severe and irreversible damage, posing a serious threat to downstream communities and the environment.
- Some residents are reluctant to leave their homes due to fears of zama zamas and a lack of alternative accommodation.
- The floods have claimed at least 20 lives and left over 1,800 houses damaged, along with 81 schools and several roads and bridges.
Introduction to the Crisis
The recent severe flooding in Mpumalanga has caused widespread damage to roads and infrastructure, resulting in significant economic losses and loss of life. The estimated cost of damage has exceeded R3.5 billion, with at least 20 fatalities reported. The flooding has also left a trail of destruction, with over 1,800 houses damaged, along with 81 schools, public facilities, and several roads and bridges in Nkomazi and Bushbuckridge. The situation is further complicated by the risk of imminent structural failure of the Senteeko Dam, which has prompted an evacuation order for residents living downstream.
The Senteeko Dam Crisis
The Senteeko Dam, owned by the Shamile Communal Property Association (CPA), has suffered severe and irreversible damage to its spillway structure, posing a serious threat to downstream communities and the environment. The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has issued an evacuation order, warning that the dam’s failure is imminent and may occur without further warning. The DWS spokesperson, Wisane Mavasa, stated that the spillway has experienced advanced erosion and undercutting, resulting in serious structural instability. The evacuation order has been issued to protect life, and the department is coordinating response actions with relevant authorities to mitigate the risks.
Community Response and Concerns
The evacuation order has caused panic and confusion among residents, with some expressing reluctance to leave their homes due to fears of zama zamas and a lack of alternative accommodation. Barberton community leader Ayanda Magagula stated that the situation is concerning, as many residents rely on the dam for their survival and to irrigate crops. He also expressed concerns about the lack of formal communication and resources to support the evacuation, leaving residents to fend for themselves. Magagula emphasized that the government needs to provide alternative accommodation and measures to direct the water away from residential areas to ensure the safety of people and their properties.
Impact of the Floods
The impact of the recent floods and heavy rains in parts of Mpumalanga continues to mount, with the estimated cost of damage to infrastructure now exceeding R3.5 billion. The floods have claimed at least 20 lives and left over 1,800 houses damaged, along with 81 schools, public facilities, and several roads and bridges in Nkomazi and Bushbuckridge. The Mpumalanga government has stated that efforts are underway to restore essential services and repair damaged roads, schools, and residential homes. However, the situation remains critical, and the risk of further damage and loss of life remains high.
Government Response and Next Steps
The government has issued a statement assuring that protection of life remains the highest priority, and emergency interventions are in place to mitigate the risks. However, the situation on the ground remains challenging, with residents facing significant difficulties in evacuating their homes and accessing alternative accommodation. The government needs to provide more support and resources to affected communities, including alternative housing, food, and other essential services. The situation also highlights the need for long-term solutions to address the underlying causes of the flooding, including investing in infrastructure and implementing measures to prevent similar disasters in the future.
