By Siphiwe Nyathi
Mbombela - Motorists in Mpumalanga have been warned to exercise extreme caution when driving in Mpumalanga after the R35 road between Middelburg and Bethal had to be closed briefly after suffering rain damage.
Motorists can now use only one lane.
“Motorists need to prioritise their own safety by, among others, ensuring that their wipers are working properly, maintaining a safe following distance and also ensuring that their tyres are in good condition," said MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison Vusi Shongwe.
He urged motorists to drive more slowly, keep their headlights on and allow for more time for their trips.
"Excessive speed in wet weather can be fatal and therefore motorists need to take it easy on the road when it is raining,” he said.
He asked traffic officers to clamp down on reckless motorists.
Department spokesperson Joseph Mabuza said Crocodile Bridge and the road between Tonga and Phiva have been closed because Mlumati River is overflowing.
“The road between Driekoppies and Schoemansdal has also been closed because Mlumati River is overflowing,” he added.
Members of communities have been urged to avoid crossing overflowing rivers and streams.
Parents also need to ensure their children are safe when they go to school during this rainy period.
The rainy weather is expected to continue until Friday in Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape, Limpopo and Gauteng. – SAnews.gov.za
