Persistent rainfall continues to wreak havoc across the country, leaving a trail of destruction to roads, homesteads and farmlands, while severely hampering movement due to slippery and flooded conditions.
The impact of the heavy rains has gone beyond physical damage, as livelihoods have been disrupted and pressure placed on already stretched government resources, with additional funding now required for infrastructure rehabilitation and development.
During a visit to Maphalaleni Inkhundla, Bucopho Lusekwane Nxumalo outlined the extent of the damage and appealed to organisations and well-wishers to assist affected families.
He revealed that several houses in the area have collapsed as a result of the persistent rainfall.
Among those affected is Gogo Ngwenya, a widow who lives with her seven children.
Nxumalo said Ngwenya has been left without proper shelter after her stick-and-mud house collapsed due to the heavy rains.
“The damage is bad and we only hope for the better,” he said.
In Mayiwane Inkhundla, residents of Ntokozweni in northern Hhohho took matters into their own hands after heavy rains rendered their gravel roads impassable.
With no immediate government intervention, the community mobilised to dig gravel and close off dongas, restoring access for vehicles and essential services despite continued downpours.
Meanwhile, serious safety concerns have been raised after residents and public transport operators were seen crossing the flooded Mlumati Bridge along the Madelezini–Matsamo gravel road.
Water has been flowing over the bridge since early morning, yet some motorists continued to attempt crossing towards the Matsamo Border Gate.
The Timphisini Inkhundla Council has since issued a warning against using the bridge, citing strong water currents and a high risk of drowning and loss of life.
In Piggs Peak, a family of ten from Malanda has been left homeless after persistent rains caused their house to collapse into an expanding donga.
Family member Gugu Shiba said the erosion has worsened since last year, washing away furniture and other property.
Piggs Peak Mayor Sipho Shongwe confirmed that the family has been allocated a new plot, while the town council has initiated plans to rehabilitate the donga to prevent it from spreading and threatening nearby homes.
