As South Africa experienced heavy mid-February 2025 storms that led to severe flooding in various towns and cities, Vryburg residents expressed gratitude that their town had been spared from major disaster—thanks to the proactive maintenance of its stormwater drainage system along the N14 road by Naledi Local Municipality.

Many areas across the country saw blocked drainage systems exacerbating flood damage, with roads submerged, homes affected, and businesses disrupted. However, the foresight of the municipality’s rehabilitation project ensured that Vryburg’s stormwater infrastructure remained functional, preventing large-scale flooding.

Advertisement:

Community Voices: Residents Share Their Thoughts

The Vryburg Independent Post spoke to several community members who shared their thoughts on how the recent drainage maintenance efforts paid off during the storms.

1. Business Owner, Mr. T. Mokoka:

“As a business owner in town, I was very worried when I saw news reports about the floods happening in other places. But surprisingly, in Vryburg, things were much better than expected. Normally, after heavy rains, we struggle with waterlogged streets and businesses getting affected, but this time, the drainage system seemed to handle the rain well. I really appreciate that the municipality focused on fixing this issue in time.”

2. Resident and Taxi Driver, Mr. D. Motsisi:

“I have been driving a taxi for over 10 years, and I’ve seen how bad our roads get when stormwater drainage systems are blocked. It’s usually a nightmare to navigate around town after heavy rain. But this time, it felt different. The water drained away quicker, and we didn’t see large pools of standing water like before. I have to say, the maintenance work that was done along the N14 really helped.”

3. High School Teacher, Mr. L. Gaseitsiwe:

“When I heard about the floods in Gauteng and other areas, I expected the worst here in Vryburg too. But I must commend the recent drainage clean-up because it saved us from unnecessary damages. Our school remained accessible, and learners didn’t struggle to get home due to flooded streets like in previous years. This kind of infrastructure maintenance should continue regularly.”

4. Elderly Resident, Mme Selogelo:

“I live near one of the stormwater drains that was cleaned up in September, and I must say, it made a difference. Before, whenever it rained heavily, the water would not drain properly, and our yards would flood. But this time, the rain came and went without major flooding. I’m grateful that this was taken care of before the rainy season hit.”

Looking Ahead: Community Calls for Continued Maintenance

While community members were thankful for the recent maintenance, they emphasised the need for ongoing monitoring and cleaning to ensure that stormwater drainage remains in good condition. Many residents echoed the Mayor’s (Adv. C.J Groep) previous statement that proper waste disposal is key in ensuring drains do not become clogged again.

According to reliable sources, Naledi Local Municipality is expected to conduct further inspections and maintenance in the coming months, as South Africa remains in the rainy season. The community is encouraged to report any blocked drains and to refrain from littering, as debris from waste often leads to blockages.

As other towns struggle with severe flooding, Vryburg stands as an example of how proactive infrastructure maintenance can prevent disaster.

For further updates on stormwater maintenance and upcoming municipal projects, stay connected with The Vryburg Independent Post.

-Naledi Local Municipality

-The VIP Team

Advertisement:

Advertisement: