"We Are Suffering": Kuruman Residents Demand Urgent Intervention as Year-Long Flooding Displaces Families

Families in Kuruman’s Seven Miles village demand action as persistent flooding surrounds homes, amid claims of stalled funding and political interference.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 18, 2026, 6:42 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from IOL News

A Community Under Water

The residents of Seven Miles village in Kuruman are facing a protracted humanitarian crisis that has seen their homes partially submerged for more than twelve months. What began as a response to heavy rains last year has turned into a permanent state of flooding, with water remaining trapped in yards and structural foundations. Local community member Christopher Keehang described a dire situation where every new rainfall, including recent storms during the Good Friday period, exacerbates an already untenable living condition.

Administrative Gridlock and Stalled Funding

The frustration in the village is compounded by reports that relief funding was previously approved through the SOIC. However, residents claim that progress has been intentionally halted due to administrative friction between the local municipality and funding bodies. Keehang alleged that political interference is actively preventing the commencement of essential infrastructure work, such as drainage systems and water diversion channels, which are needed to permanently dry out the residential area.

Health Risks and Humanitarian Gaps

The standing water has created a breeding ground for health and safety hazards, with residents noting that the persistence of the flood conditions poses an immediate risk to children and the elderly. While the Red Cross and other humanitarian organizations have conducted site visits and provided temporary aid, community members argue that these interventions are "band-aid" solutions. They are now calling for independent organizations or national authorities to step in and bypass the local political obstacles that have characterized the past year.