21 Feb 2025

Member of Parliament for Ghanzi Mr Noah Salakae on Wednesday toured the flood hit areas in Ghanzi  District where  600 families have been displaced.

In an interview, Mr Salakae described the situation as a wakeup call. He pointed out the unfortunate oversight in previous road designs, which lacked provisions for effective storm water drainage.

Mr Salakae, who is also  the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, assured the public that government was dedicated to transformative infrastructure development. As an immediate response, a tender for constructing a storm water drainage system was currently being floated, while a more comprehensive solution was being addressed through the ongoing Ghanzi land servicing infrastructure and waste treatment project.

Highlighting local geographical challenges, Mr Salakae noted that Ghanzi had a shallow water table that was not easily permeable, exacerbating severe flooding issues.

He explained that a new storm water drainage system would be instrumental in collecting and channeling rainwater and excess water away from roads and essential infrastructure. In addition to infrastructure efforts, Mr Salakae commended private companies for their generosity in providing machinery and donating food packages, mattresses, and other necessities to those affected by the floods.

He recognised the resilience of displaced families during their temporary relocation, assuring them of ongoing support until the situation stabilises.

Ghanzi District Council Chairperson Mr Thabiso Kebadile also commended the district’s disaster response team for their timely actions during the crisis.

Despite resource challenges, evacuation efforts were executed effectively, and essential services such as food, medical care, and psychological support were provided without compromise.

Mr Kebadile stated that the unforeseen disaster had prompted the council to advocate for a phased construction of a storm water drainage system across the district when funding becomes available. He also noted the need for updated building guidelines to encourage resilient construction practices, protecting homes during future flood events.

D’kar ward councilor and deputy council Chairperson Mr Xukiri Xukuri attributed the recent flooding to climate change and urged residents to adopt sustainable living practices.

He highlighted that the hardest-hit area in D’Kar was the Khoocase ward, and expressed gratitude to the response teams for their assistance to affected families.

Meanwhile, Dr Boitumelo Molefane, from the District Disaster Management Committee Secretariat, cautioned motorists traveling along the A3 road (Ghanzi-Maun) to exercise caution as parts of the road remain submerged. ENDS