daniel chigunwe
Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
South Africa has temporarily closed five of its borders with Botswana due to flooding, with travellers advised to use Beitbridge Border Post and other ports of entry.In a statement on Monday, the Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato announced the temporary suspension of operations at Stockpoort, Makgobistad, Bray, Groblersbridge and Pontdrift due to severe flooding.
“At Stockpoort port of entry, operations have been suspended as the port is completely surrounded by water,” he said.
“The corridor leading to the port, the operational area, and the bridge after the port have been submerged.
“The BMA and other law enforcement officials were stranded on the island where the Immigration Office is located, making movement impossible.
“In response, the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Limpopo were activated yesterday to evacuate affected employees, including all law enforcement officers, using an EMS helicopter.”
Dr Masiapato said the Makgobistad port of entry remains temporarily closed due to the flooding of the Molopo River, while Bray and Groblersbridge ports of entry have also been flooded, leading to the temporary suspension of operations.
He said the Pontdrift port of entry continues to be affected by high water levels, and operations remain suspended until further notice.
At the Derdepoort port of entry, he said, water levels have subsided, and normal operations have since resumed.
“Travellers and commercial operators are advised to use Ramatlabama, Kopfontein, Beitbridge and Skilpadshek ports of entry as alternatives for cross-border movement,” Dr Masiapato.
“The BMA continues to closely monitor weather conditions across all ports of entry and will provide timely updates as the situation develops.
“We urge travellers and transporters to make alternative arrangements and remain informed through official BMA communication channels.”
Online Reporter