THE NORTHERN Cape Department of Roads and Public Works has indicated that several roads in the Province had been closed due to heavy rains and flooding.
Spokesperson for the department, Crystal Robertson, said heavy rainfall impacted on the infrastructure of the Province, specifically in the John Taolo Gaetsewe, Pixley Ka Seme and ZF Mgcawu districts as well as certain areas in Frances Baard.
“Due to the recent rainfall certain low laying areas and gravel roads in the Province were flooded. The district worst affected in John Taolo Gaetsewe. The department has already conducted a comprehensive assessment on the R31.
“Repair work were due to start on February 2, 2021. Trucks and a workforce have been deployed, however due to the weather, we were unable to start,” said Robertson.
She added that several roads in the JTG district had been closed as of February 3, 2021.
Closed
“The Churchill to Bendel road had been closed due to a possible bridge collapse, the Dithakong to Glenred bridge collapsed, the Bothithong to Dithakong bridge totally collapsed, the Ditshipeng bridge collapsed, the Metsewtsaneng road from the N14 is covered by water, so is the the Logobate road while there is an overflow at the Tsineng bridge.
“The Stilrus culvert collapsed, the Maphiniki bridge is also under water while the Battlemount-Bendel road is flooded.”
She said several residential areas are also under water.
Robertson urged motorists to be vigilant, adding that the department, with various other stakeholders, have erected warning signs and closed roads.
“The safety of road users and the community is the primary concern of the provincial government, therefore we urge members of the public to exercise caution.“
Two national roads under the jurisdiction of Sanral – the N14 between Vryburg and Kuruman and the N8 from the N8/R31 roundabout to Campbell – are closed.
