Parliament Urges Long-Term Disaster Preparedness After Limpopo Floods

Members inspected settlements along flood plains and riverbanks, where extensive damage to homes, roads, bridges, water infrastructure and essential services has been recorded.

Parliament’s Portfolio Committee and Select Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) has reiterated the urgent need for long-term disaster preparedness and climate change adaptation, following a joint oversight visit to flood-affected communities in Limpopo.

The call was made during Parliament’s Joint Oversight Delegation on Cooperative Governance, which visited Tshakhuma in the Makhado Local Municipality and Matsakali Village in the Collins Chabane Local Municipality, both in the Vhembe District, on Tuesday.

Oversight to Assess Disaster Response and Recovery Plans

The visit forms part of Parliament’s constitutional mandate to monitor government’s response to disasters, assess recovery interventions, and evaluate mitigation planning at provincial and local government level.

The delegation was led by Chairperson of the NCOP Select Committee on Cooperative Governance and Public Administration, Mxolisi Kaunda, and Chairperson of the National Assembly Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Dr Zweli Mkhize.

Members inspected settlements along flood plains and riverbanks, where extensive damage to homes, roads, bridges, water infrastructure and essential services has been recorded.

Communities Left Isolated by Extreme Weather

Recent flooding caused by extreme weather conditions has left several communities isolated and vulnerable, underscoring the growing impact of climate-related disasters on local infrastructure and livelihoods.

“We are here to support the local and provincial government and affected communities, but also to conduct oversight on the commitments that were made to restore services,” Kaunda said.

Focus on Service Restoration and Education Continuity

Engagements with provincial and local authorities, traditional leaders and affected residents focused on the restoration of critical services, including:

• Access roads and bridges

• Water and sanitation systems

• Electricity infrastructure

• Continuation of schooling for learners

Kaunda stressed the importance of protecting the culture of learning and teaching in the aftermath of disasters and ensuring that schools can operate safely and effectively.

Relocation From Flood Plains Urged

Community safety emerged as a central concern, with both chairpersons warning that settlements in flood-prone areas pose an unacceptable risk to life.

The delegation urged local authorities to present clear relocation plans for affected households to safer land already identified by the Department of Human Settlements.

Members also called for:

• Transparency in the allocation of emergency housing

• Ensuring the right beneficiaries receive rebuilding assistance

• Urgent repairs to damaged low-level bridges and access roads

Dr Mkhize said relocation remains the only sustainable solution for households living on flood plains and called for coordinated action across all spheres of government to support families in resettling safely.

Call for Climate Adaptation and Prevention Measures

The delegation emphasised that disaster management must shift from a reactive to a preventive and preparedness-driven approach.

“We are asking what plans are being put in place to mitigate this so that we don’t experience the same problems, especially given climate change challenges. Preparation must be our focus, not only response,” Kaunda said.

He warned against rebuilding communities in high-risk areas and called for safety and sustainability to be prioritised in reconstruction efforts.

Environmental Planning Critical to Flood Mitigation

Kaunda also highlighted the importance of integrating environmental planning into municipal development, including:

• Improved stormwater drainage systems

• Clearing of blocked waterways

• Protection of wetlands

• Tree planting and open-space preservation

“Wetlands and open spaces play a critical role in absorbing excess water during heavy rainfall and reducing the impact on residential areas,” he said.

Oversight Work to Continue

Both chairpersons expressed condolences to families who lost loved ones during the floods and reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to ongoing oversight of disaster response and recovery efforts.

The joint delegation is expected to continue its oversight work in the Giyani and Tzaneen areas on Wednesday, before proceeding to flood-affected communities in Mpumalanga.

Insights from the visit will be used to strengthen parliamentary oversight of disaster response, recovery planning and long-term risk reduction strategies.