KwaZulu-Natal provincial government has confirmed that all motorists who were stranded on the roads due to the inclement weather and snow storms have been accounted for.
“We are pleased to announce that all stranded motorists have been rescued and accounted for,” said COGTA MEC Rev Thulasizwe Buthelezi.
“Our focus now shifts to clearing the roads and ensuring they are safe for travel,” added Buthelezi.
Several roads remain closed due to the large number of cars and trucks still stuck on the roads. COGTA has since deployed additional graders to assist in clearing the snow and ice.
ALSO READ | Snow Update: Parts of N3 remain closed while others are cleared and open
“We understand the frustration and inconvenience caused by the road closures, but safety remains our top priority. We are working tirelessly to reopen all roads as soon as possible,” said Buthelezi.
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government also called on all citizens to exercise caution in light of the heavy snowfall and rain currently affecting the province. As part of the provincial government’s response, they have deployed officers from the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) to assist motorists navigating treacherous roads.
“The Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) and Provincial Emergency Services have been deployed to assist motorists stranded on roads impacted by the snowfall. These teams are working tirelessly to ensure safe passage and provide assistance where necessary. The Municipal Parks Department is on stand-by to remove tree debris from affected roads and areas,”
“Our dedicated team from Road Traffic Inspectorate and Infrastructure Unit have been working flat out with the entire disaster management teams involving SAPS, SANDF, SANRAL, N3TC, RTMC, Agriculture and Rural Development, COGTA – nationally and provincially including municipalities,” said KwaZulu-Natal Acting Premier, Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa.
He added that they are hoping that all roads will be cleared and back to normal by Monday.
The following roads have been opened:
– N11 – Ladysmith to Newcastle OPEN
– N11 AMAJUBA PASS OPEN
– R33 – Vryheid to Dundee OPEN but water damping on the road at Cotswold
– R34 – Newcastle to Memel CLOSED HIGHER UP
– R34 – Newcastle to Bloodriver/Vryheid OPEN
– R33 – Vryheid to Paulpietersburg OPEN
– R34 – Vryheid to Melmoth OPEN
– R69 – Vryheid to Pongola OPEN
– N2 – Richardsbay to Piet Retief OPEN
The Witness
witness.co.za
