The Border Management Authority (BMA) has temporarily suspended operations at five ports of entry due to severe flooding caused by heavy rainfall. The affected ports are Stockport, Makgobistad, Bray, Groblersbridge, and Pontdrift. The announcement was made earlier today by BMA Commissioner, Dr Mike Masiapato.
“At Stockpoort Port of Entry, operations have been suspended as the port is surrounded by water. The corridor leading to the port, the operational area, and the bridge after the port have been submerged. 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 for their safety,” said Masiapato.
Furthermore, Masiapto also confirmed that Makgobistad Port of Entry remains temporarily closed due to the flooding of the Molopo River, while Bray and Groblers Bridge Ports of Entry have also been flooded, leading to the temporary suspension of operations.
Pontdrift is still affected by high water levels, with operations suspended until further notice. In addition, the BMA announced that water levels at Derdepoort have subsided, and normal operations have since resumed.
“Travelers and commercial operators are advised to use Ramatlabama, Kopfontein, Beitbridge and Skilpadshek ports of entry, as alternatives for cross-border movement. The BMA continues to monitor weather conditions across all ports of entry closely 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,” explained Masiapato.
