Mayor of Tshwane Randall Williams on Saturday announced that he had activated a multi-department rescue effort to respond to flooding.
Overnight rains from Friday have flooded parts of Tshwane including Mamelodi and Centurion.
“Since the early hours of Saturday morning, our Emergency Services Department has been spread out across Tshwane assisting residents who have been affected by the flooding,” said Williams.
“Under the leadership of MMC Grandi Theunissen, the department has been coordinating rescue and evacuation efforts.”
The mayor said the rescue efforts can involve assisting those whose cars were trapped in water, helping people escape flooded homes, or even responding to incidents where trees have collapsed.
“With Tshwane’s Disaster Management Centre activated all efforts are coordinated through this central department to ensure we respond rapidly and effectively,” explained Williams.
“Already MMC Abel Tau from Human Settlements has been on the ground engaging some of the affected communities to assess where his department can assist as this helps to inform relief efforts and identify areas for temporary accommodation.
“Our Social Development department through MMC Peggy de Bruin is also on the ground to provide social relief and support to the families that have suffered losses during the floods.”
The mayor said Tshwane Roads and Transport Department MMC Dikeledi Selowa has deployed busses to some of the affected areas to assist in the evacuation.
Rescued people were being taken to places where can be temporarily housed.
“I want to note the efforts of all the teams involved who are supporting our residents in need and who have stabilised the situation on the ground,” said Williams.
“Continuous communication and collaboration are critically important and are what make us such an effective team when responding to these disaster events.”
Meanwhile, the Gauteng Traffic Police has called on road users to be vigilant and to exercise care following the heavy rainfall that the province has experienced since Friday night.
