KwaZulu-Natal Acting MEC for Transport Kwazi Mshengu has urged motorists to be extra vigilant on the roads as heavy rains continue to batter parts of the province causing extensive damage to bridges and other transport infrastructure.
Departmental Spokesperson Gugu Sisilana says the department is currently quantifying the extent of the damage caused by tropical storm Eloise in different parts of the province.
Sisilana has appealed to motorists and pedestrians to continue to exercise extreme caution and adhere to the rules of the road.
MEC Mshengu said many roads and bridges in the province have been damaged by the heavy rains resulting in some roads being completely closed with limited access to communities as well as, social, health, and economic facilities. He has called on motorists to drive with caution as roads are very slippery due to heavy rains that can lead to localised flooding and reduced visibility.
Mshengu says so far no major accidents have been reported due to the continuing heavy downpour but is concerned by the high number of crashes that occurred especially along the N2 and N3.
Kwazulu Natal Today 's Weather overview: 28.1.2021 pic.twitter.com/bUtD8sWLfE
— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) January 28, 2021
Gauteng residents urged to take necessary precautions
Motorists in Gauteng have also been urged to take necessary precautions on the roads in the wet weather. The South African Weather Service has issued a warning of heavy rainfall in Gauteng today that could result in severe flooding.
“A number of accidents have been recorded and more are expected. We have also recorded 20 bumper bashes. That’s due to slippery, wet road conditions. We urge road users, drivers and pedestrians to take it easy on the road. Reduce speed, keep a safe following distance, headlights on, avoid unnecessary travel. If compelling give yourself extra journey time,” says Gauteng Traffic Police Spokesperson, Obed Sibasa.
Flooding in parts of Pretoria (via Gauteng weather FB) pic.twitter.com/RbaCvTgS3D
— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) January 28, 2021
Destruction in Free State
In Free State, residents have lost their valuables including identity documents and school uniforms. Heavy rains have left a trail of destruction in several parts of the province including Mangaung.
Residents of Caleb Motshabi in Mangaung are refusing to be evacuated saying they won’t abandon their shacks.
“We are devastated. There was water all over. We lost everything. The floods have damaged some of our furniture. We don’t know where to get assistance,” says one of the residents.
Free State Tomorrow 's Weather overview: 28.1.2021 pic.twitter.com/f928QwJuU0
— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) January 27, 2021
