National housing unit deployed as flood-hit Limpopo, Mpumalanga families face relocation

By Levy Masiteng 

Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane has sent a national emergency housing team to Limpopo and Mpumalanga after heavy rains this week caused widespread flooding and damage in both provinces.

The teams are conducting physical verification of all households impacted by the downpours, the department said in a statement on Saturday.

At least 19 people have died in the provinces as a result of the flooding. The South African National Defence Force has deployed troops to assist those who need medical attention, and those who are stuck as a result of the high waters.

The Human Settlements assessments “will determine the extent of the damage and inform the department of the appropriate emergency housing interventions to be implemented, assisting affected families”.

More than 1500 households have been affected, with the majority located in Limpopo, the department said.

“In Limpopo, a total of four District Municipalities are currently undergoing