Several families in Tlokweng were recently left stranded and their belongings destroyed by water from Notwane River which passed through the village. As a result of heavy rains, the river overflowed as the Gaborone Dam’s capacity was surpassed, which lead to the spillage. The situation was traumatising especially for expectant mothers whose pregnancies and due dates coincided with the terrifying floods. Malebogo Monametsi* became one of the most touching stories of the recent floods, a story of hope, survival, and rebirth in the midst of terror and destruction.
The Monitor is using a pseudonym for her as she has declined having her name used in the interview, citing the trauma she still experiences from the floods. Amidst all the confusion and panic, Monametsi found herself amongst the thousands of Tlokweng residents who watched helplessly as the waters of the Notwane River surged and swallowed their homes. What was supposed to be a joyous moment of bringing new life into the world, suddenly became a struggle for survival. Member of Parliament (MP) for Tlokweng, Phenyo Segokgo who spent the entire period of the floods engaging the community and mobilising rescue and support, revealed that the woman was safely evacuated and taken to Mafitlhakgosi Clinic. She safely gave birth to a healthy baby. “She was evacuated at Khollwane ward and she was heavily pregnant when they evacuated her. They placed her in a safe place at the Bahai Centre until Friday evening when it was evident she was on the verge of delivery. “They then took her to Mafitlhakgosi Clinic where she delivered the baby safely. “She is doing well and her baby is also healthy,” Segokgo told The Monitor on Friday.
