Siboniso Duma, KZN MEC for Transport and Human Settlements. (Gallo Images/Darren Stewart)
- KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma heads to the N3 toll route.
- Heavy snowfall has left dozens of motorists stranded in parts of KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State.
- According to the MEC, the recent conditions are the “reality of erratic weather patterns” caused by climate change.
Siboniso Duma, MEC of Transport and Human Settlements in KwaZulu-Natal, is expected to head to the N3 toll road after dozens of motorists were left stranded by heavy snowfall, which closed the highway in both directions between Estcourt in KwaZulu-Natal and Harrismith in the Free State.
The service has deployed a team of Road Traffic Inspectorate officers to assist motorists.
FOLLOW IT LIVE | LIVE: Snow leaves motorists stranded in KZN, Free State as icy weekend weather hits
“We are encouraged by the hard work and cooperation between private and public emergency services, who are helping stranded motorists on several snow-affected routes,” Duma said.
He added that he was on his way to the N3 to strengthen coordination between the response teams from the Pietermaritzburg and Ladysmith regions.
Duma said:
From approximately 10:00 to 11:30 I will be stationed at the Mandela Capture Site in Howick along with the Road Traffic Inspectorate team.
“The team starts by clearing the accumulated snow, using the most suitable snowplow blade.”
According to the MEC, the recent conditions are the “reality of erratic weather patterns” caused by climate change.
“Every year we witness extreme heat followed by heavy rainfall and snowfall.”
He said the department is closely monitoring the following major routes in KwaZulu-Natal, which remain closed due to heavy snow, ice and rain:
- N3 toll route from Estcourt in KwaZulu-Natal to Harrismith
- N3 Harrismith to Tugela Toll
- R74 (Harrismith to Bergville)
- R74 Greytown/Colenso Road closed due to heavy snow in Santa Maria
- R617 (Kokstad to Underberg)* Tugela Plaza* R103* N3 North
- N11 – Ladysmith to Newcastle
- N11 Amajuba Pass
The R33 between Vryheid and Dundee remained open, but there was water on the road at Cotswold. The R34 from Newcastle to Blood River/Vryheid is now open, with snow along the route.
The R33 from Vryheid to Paulpietersburg and the R34 between Vryheid and Melmoth remain open and the N2 Ingeli and N3 in Mooirivier are being closely monitored, the department said.
Lisalee Solomons
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