PROVINCIAL MINISTER OF INFRASTRUCTURE TERTUIS SIMMERS: UPDATES ON ROAD CLOSURE STATUS

Over the past few days, winter rains have fallen over parts of the Western Cape. Several roads had to be closed either due to overtopping or because they sustained damage.

Due to road closures, residents and visitors to the province may experience delays in the delivery of certain services. Provincial government employees may not be able to easily get to their places of employment, and this may potentially impact some government services. Our teams are working hard to ensure all sites are accessible and where roads have been significantly damaged to ensure alternative routes are available, with detours where necessary.

“I plead with all road users, to obey road signs – they are there to ensure your safety,” said Provincial Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers. “If you are driving and come across flooded roads, please take great care. If the water is too deep for you to see the roadway, do not risk using it. In some instances where roads are underwater, they may not be damaged, but there could be obstacles under the water you cannot see,” the Minister concluded.

VIEW THE UPDATED LIST OF AFFECTED ROADS HERE: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/department-of-infrastructure/storm-road-closure-updates-june-2024

Tips in times of high rainfall/floods

• If you live in a low-lying area, you may be affected by sudden floods. Monitor the rising water levels and evacuate earlier rather than later.
• When driving on a road, avoid driving through flooded areas.
• Avoid crossing low-lying bridges, streams, rivers, and causeways – never cross flooded roads or bridges.
• No matter how shallow, do not try to swim, walk, or drive through fast flowing water.
• Monitor weather alerts in the media (television and radio)
  • Only trust social media posts from reputable sources and be aware of unverified information.
• Keep important documents in water-resistant containers.
• Ensure that your mobile phone is charged and close to you in case you need to make or receive emergency calls.

We again ask all road users to adhere to the closure of the roads and maintain a safe following distance. Further updates will be communicated in due course.