KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma says authorities are monitoring the road network as the Drakensberg Mountains experience snowfall.
The MEC said grader operators are on standby to remove snow before it accumulates to more than 30cm.
“Van Reenen between Harrismith and Ladysmith is being closely monitored to ensure road closure where necessary. This will help to prevent motorists from being stuck on the N3. Coastal and low-lying areas where there are informal settlements are being closely monitored,” Duma said on Wednesday.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a warning for disruptive rain, which is expected to result in flooding of bridges, roads and settlements, as well as damage to property and infrastructure, in places along the coast and adjacent interior between East London in the Eastern Cape and Cape Vidal in KwaZulu-Natal.
The weather service has also issued a warning for disruptive snow, which is expected in places over the north-eastern high ground of the Eastern Cape and the Drakensberg area of KwaZulu-Natal. The snow could result in traffic disruptions, disruption to essential services and some communities being temporarily cut off.
Disruptive rain, resulting in flooding of bridges, roads and settlements, as well as damage to property and infrastructure, is expected over the south-eastern parts of the Eastern Cape and the eastern parts of KwaZulu-Natal, except in the extreme north-east.
The Human Settlements team, working with eThekwini Municipality Human Settlements and Infrastructure, has made more than 170 rooms available at the newly acquired Montclair Lodge.
“We will accommodate families that may be left destitute because of floods. There is construction on the Quarry Heights Bridge, which was partially destroyed by floods in 2022. Gabions are being installed by eThekwini Municipality to prevent soil erosion and restore sidewalks.
“Engineers from the Department of Transport have ensured that culverts are installed in some bridges to prevent water from pooling on the road, which normally results in flooding,” the MEC said. -SAnews.gov.za
