EC flooding: Govt dismisses claim Mthatha Dam sluice gates were open
The province has been hit by extreme weather over the past week, characterised by snow, heavy rains and widespread flooding.
Severe flooding hit parts of the Eastern Cape on the weekend of 1 and 2 June 2024. Picture: Gift of the Givers/Facebook
MTHATHA – The government has dismissed claims that sluice gates were opened at the Mthatha Dam in the Eastern Cape, allegations some residents believe led to the deaths of at least 78 people.
The province has been hit by extreme weather over the past week, characterised by snow, heavy rains and widespread flooding.
The official death toll currently stands at 78, but recovery efforts continue as emergency crews search for more bodies.
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President Cyril Ramaphosa visited flood-ravaged communities near Mthatha, assuring residents that government aid will be expedited.
He also dismissed the suggestion that human error is behind the devastation.
“The Mthatha Dam does not have a sluice gate; it cannot be that the water is opened. Is it possible that the water was flowing down and gathered in a particular place... It does happen when floods are in full flow. So this is a matter for the Department of Water and Sanitation.”