As we enter a week of expected heavy rainfall, The MEC for Public Works, Roads and Transport in Mpumalanga, Mr. Thulasizwe Thomo urges all motorists and road users to exercise extreme caution while driving. The South African Weather Services (SAWS) is predicting the weather conditions will continue into the weekend and the Department acknowledges that the ongoing down pours will significantly impact our road infrastructure, leading to potential damages to bridges and roads across the Province.
The Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport would like to appeal to motorists and other road users to exercise extreme caution when using roads in the province. We are particularly concerned about gravel roads, which are anticipated to sustain considerable damage due to the relentless rain:
- Roads are continuously wet and therefore slippery so drivers should drive at safe speed.
- Some river crossings (bridges and culverts) might be overtopping/flooding, and road users should not risk crossing such.
- Road drainage facilities especially in settlement areas are overwhelmed and might be flooding and the public must guard against children drowning.
- Some roads have old pipe culverts with corrugated iron lining (ARMCO CULVERTS) and these are at high risk of collapse due to separation of the concrete and corrugated iron lining sheets, that’s why motorists should always exercise caution when crossing any stream crossing.
Additionally, ongoing infrastructure projects may experience delays in completion timeline as we navigate these weather related challenges. Most bypasses/detours might be in poor condition and traffic moving slowly.
Communities and road users are therefore requested to exercise patience on sections of roads that are under construction and co-operate with contractors by adhering to the directions provided by the signage placed on the bypasses and roads. The Department is committed to monitoring the situation closely and will take necessary actions to ensure public safety.
We kindly ask for the understanding and patience of our communities during this time. Our teams are dedicated to addressing the damage caused by the rainfall using resources available to us. We want to reassure everyone that prompt action will be taken as soon as conditions improve.
Stay safe and drive carefully.
ENDS...
For more information please contact Mr. Bongani Dhlamini on 079 293 6515.