Vongai Masuka

The Government has launched an urgent intervention to assist distressed families in Beitbridge following a wave of recurrent flooding that has left homes submerged and destroyed household property across the border town.

The move comes as residents in low-lying areas, particularly in the Dulivhadzimu suburb, face a humanitarian crisis.

Torrential rains during the current season have washed away food supplies, damaged electronics, and destroyed school materials for children, leaving many families in a desperate cycle of bailing water out of their homes.

Speaking on the crisis, Beitbridge Municipality Town Clerk, Mr. Loud Ramakgapola, confirmed that the local authority is now weighing long-term solutions to prevent further loss.
“We are conducting a feasibility study to determine whether to relocate residents or improve drainage infrastructure,” Ramakgapola said.

The proposal to move families to safer terrain received strong backing from Beitbridge West Legislator, Honourable Thusani Ndou, who emphasized that relocating flood-affected families to higher ground would be much safer than attempting to patch existing vulnerabilities.

The crisis has also sparked a political standoff regarding the management of the border town.
Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Albert Nguluvhe, issued warning to the opposition-led Beitbridge Municipality, suggesting that the central government may take over operations if the local council fails to protect residents.

“We should work together. We have also talked about the possible reallocation of the affected people, and if, as Council, you are failing, we will be forced to bring a commission to run this Municipality,” Nguluvhe stated.