18 Feb 2025

Heavy rains,  currently experienced across the country have resulted in severe flooding in Ghanzi District, leaving numerous homes, government institutions, roads and businesses inaccessible.

In an interview yesterday,  Dr Boitumelo Molefane from the Ghanzi District Disaster Management Committee Secretariat reported that 102mm of rain recorded on Monday caused significant flooding, necessitating the evacuation of many families to safer locations.

D’kar was identified as one of the hardest-hit areas, with 75 households affected, leading to the evacuation of 440 individuals, who are currently being accommodated at the village’s primary school.

Among those affected are 116 school-age children, 56 children under five, and 28 elderly over the age of 60. Dr Molefane noted that despite the crisis, school lessons were minimally disrupted, as only 11 out of 22 classrooms were utilised for shelter.

In Ghanzi township, 104 individuals have found refuge in various centers, including the Ghanzi Community Hall, Ghanzi Hospice, and the Halfway Shelter Home. This group consists of 18 children under five, seven seniors over 60 and 39 individuals aged between six and 18 years. Seven families have also received food baskets to aid during this difficult time.

Looking at the weather forecast, Dr Molefane indicated that more rain could lead to further incidents. She confirmed that the response team was working tirelessly to ensure safe evacuation efforts, with health workers on alert to assist vulnerable groups needing medical attention.

While some services have remained operational, both Botswana Telecommunications Services (BTC) and Ghanzi Airport were forced to temporarily close due to waterlogged premises.

Dr Molefane expressed gratitude to Tau Grading Construction Company and other businesses that have contributed machinery and tankers to help pump water from affected institutions.

In support of the community, Sandfire Motheo Mine donated food hampers valued at P50 000 and 50 mattresses. Tswana Fuel also provided food hampers to assist the families impacted by the floods.

Dr Molefane urged the public to remain vigilant and keep young children indoors to prevent drowning and the spread of illnesses such as diarrhea.

She advised the community to contact disaster emergency lines for assistance: District Commissioner’s office at 71472399, Council Chairperson at 71422520, Council Secretary at 73075074, and Fire Services at 6511830/998.

Ghanzi resident, Mr Keoagile Tlhapi from Kgaphamadi ward criticised the lack of a storm water drainage system in the township, attributing the severity of the flood to this oversight.

He appealed to legislators for advocacy on the construction of such systems to mitigate future disasters.

Additionally, Ghanzi district Chief Civil & Mechanical Engineering Services officer Ms Follah Leero elaborated that the township’s road designs lacked storm water drainage, contributing to the flooding challenges.

She explained that the district’s topography, characterised by water pans, impedes water drainage.

While a storm water master plan was previously included in the National Development Plans 9 and 10, it was deferred.

However, Ms Leero assured that the ongoing Ghanzi land servicing infrastructure and waste treatment project included provisions for a storm water drainage system, aiming to address these issues in the future. ENDS