POLOKWANE - Schools in several Limpopo districts have once again been suspended as persistent heavy rains continue to wreak havoc.
The Vhembe and Mopani districts have been particularly affected.
Over a week ago, Education MEC Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya suspended weekend catch-up classes in Vhembe amid fears of flash floods.
READ: Schools in north-east Limpopo remain closed after heavy rains
Schools in the district were subsequently closed the following Monday.
A week later, with bridges and roads damaged in some areas, schools in the district have been suspended again on Monday and Tuesday.
“'The safety of learners and staff is a paramount concern," the department said in a statement.
The Capricorn South and Waterberg districts, in the southern part of the province, have also reported structural damage to schools, including leaking roofs and water damage, which may worsen if the rains continue.
“With reports of flooded roads and compromised building integrity, the suspension is a necessary measure to prevent any potential tragedies,” the department added.
READ: R7,9 billion needed to fix roads and infrastructure in Limpopo
Speaking to eNCA earlier, Lerule-Ramakhanya noted that the closures further disrupt learning and delay repairs following the floods in January. Contractors in Vhembe have had to halt work as heavy rains persist.
The Department says it is working closely with district municipalities and disaster management teams to monitor conditions and ensure schools reopen safely.