MEC Ntuli urges road users to be vigilant on the roads during heavy rains

MEC Ntuli urges road users to be vigilant on the roads during heavy rains

November 14, 2019 • Road

The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison Mr Bheki Ntuli has urged road users to be vigilant on the road as heavy rains will continue for the rest of the week.

The South African Weather Services (SAWS) has warned that there is a possibility of damaging winds and heavy downpours leading to flooding over the most parts of the province and will continue for the rest of the week, with some areas receiving just over 90% chances of rain. SAWS said there is also a possibility of mudslides/landslides and soil erosion especially along highly elevated areas which might lead to further disruption to traffic flow.

The M4(P398-1 Ruth First Highway) between Sibaya drive and Mhlanga Rocks Drive is still closed off to the traffic since Monday following damage caused by heavy downpours which resulted in the support embarkment to be eroded. This left an approximately 3,5 meters cavity beneath the road layers. Technicians on site have warned that the damage continues to escalate as downpours persist. The R22 near Hluhluwe is also currently closed following heavy rains. Motorists in these areas are urged to use alternative roads, be extra cautious and exercise patience.

Ntuli also urged motorists not to use low-lying bridges during heavy rains. “I urge motorists and pedestrians to refrain from crossing low lying bridges. We have seen a very traumatizing video on social media where a driver was crossing a bridge over an overflowing Duzi river in Pietermaritzburg yesterday afternoon, fortunately, all four occupants were rescued”.

He also urged motorists to abide by the rules of the road. “I also urge motorists to abide by the road rules, that is, keeping a safe following distance, keeping lights on and if possible, postpone their trips. Rather be safe than sorry”, asserted Ntuli.
Further updates will be posted on the departmental social networks and road users are urged to share information where challenges are encountered.

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Heavy Rain KZN Transport