Image Source: Daily Maverick
Local – Preliminary assessments indicate that Limpopo may require close to R10 billion for comprehensive recovery efforts following the recent floods.
The provincial government has allocated R800 million towards immediate recovery while it awaits additional support from the National Disaster Management Centre.
Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba revealed the cost estimate during a media briefing in Polokwane. Since December 2025, the floods have claimed 27 lives, damaged approximately 3,194 houses and left around 439 roads unusable across an estimated 600 kilometres.
“Our primary focus remains the safety and well-being of residents, which involves ongoing damage assessments, relief interventions and urgent restoration of essential services,” Ramathuba said.
Widespread Infrastructure Collapse
Members of the Executive Council have been visiting affected areas to assess damage and coordinate relief. The province’s road network has taken severe damage, with major routes now dangerous or impassable.
“The crisis extends to critical infrastructure. For instance, the R521 highway from Polokwane to Mogwadi (Dendron) reflects the severe impact of the rains, riddled with hazardous potholes,” the Premier said.
Mobilising Resources for Reconstruction
The provincial government is engaging with the South African National Roads Agency Limited to expedite repairs on critical routes. Recovery teams have started restoration work in affected areas.
“Just yesterday, we were in Blouberg, Old Longsine and Inveran, where the #DikgerekgereWednesdays team began the process of restoring access to the road and regravelling parts that were not accessible,” Ramathuba explained.
The national declaration of the floods as a disaster has opened access to assistance from national departments. The provincial government has mobilised disaster management teams and stakeholders to respond to the crisis.
“We remain hopeful that we will successfully rebuild Limpopo from this disaster with the resources we are beginning to mobilise while we await further intervention from the National Disaster Management Centre,” Ramathuba said.
