Schools in the Overberg Education District will be closed today (Thursday 11 July). The Western Cape Education Department made this announcement yesterday (Wednesday) after the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued a Level 8 warning for disruptive rain over large parts of the province on Thursday.
The Education MEC, Minister David Maynier, said in a statement this decision was taken “after extensive consultation with the Provincial Disaster Risk Management Centre and the South African Weather Service (SAWS)” in order to ensure learners’ and teachers’ safety.
“Our default position is always to keep schools open, but we are mindful of the severity of the warnings in place and the damage already caused in certain areas.
“So far, 20 schools have been granted permission for closure across the province, the majority of which are in the Cape Winelands district,” Maynier stated.
The WCED confirmed that 137 schools have reported damage to infrastructure, either as a result of flooding or heavy winds during the week.
All schools are expected to open on Friday 12 July, pending the evaluation of further weather predictions.
Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, said the Level 8 warning for disruptive rain has led to concerns about possible flooding, mudslides and rockfalls in certain areas.
Large parts of the province again received significant amounts of rain today, and humanitarian efforts to provide shelter, food and blankets continues throughout the province.
“We will, together with our private sector partners, distribute close to 9 000 hot meals and more than 1 000 blankets to people in need,” Bredell stated.
Premier Alan Winde reiterated that the Provincial Disaster Management Centre and other stakeholders are monitoring the series of cold fronts very closely.
“Virtually all Western Cape Government (WCG) Departments are working together to mitigate the possible impact of this weather system. All stakeholders will remain vigilant, and I urge members of the public to also do so. Disaster management teams are working tirelessly to keep members of the public out of harm’s way. For this we are very thankful,” said Winde.Monitoring the situation
Overstrand Municipality stated that with heavy downpours expected to continue for the rest of the week, a close eye will be kept on water levels along the Klein River in the Stanford area where many residents were displaced last year during the September flooding.
“The Stanford Bridge on the R43 is still safe, and the road remains open,” said Overstrand Municipal Manager Dean O’Neill.
He confirmed that there has been localised flooding in towns across the Overstrand and stated that Pringle Bay and Betty’s Bay are currently areas of concern.
“Our operational and disaster management teams are on the ground, providing sandbags and clearing stormwater channels. Several trees were uprooted and/or branches broke off, obstructing roads, but our teams and volunteer firefighters immediately cleared the debris, and the roads were reopened shortly after the incidents. The team is currently assessing the situation in Mooiuitsig; it appears that the damage is mostly to the roofs. No displacements have occurred so far.”
Theewaterskloof Municipality reported that operational have been hard at work in towns across the TWK municipal district to clear storm water channels, clean debris, assist with trees that have blown over in the wind, secure flooded areas and assist with electricity issues.
“There was some localised flooding in the informal areas and some formal areas of Theewaterskloof, but our operations and disaster management teams have been on the ground providing sand bags and clearing storm water channels. A wall collapsed in Ou Kaapse Weg on Sunday, but standby teams immediately cleared the debris and the road was reopened shortly after the incident,” the municipality stated.
“Our disaster management and operations teams will remain on high alert throughout the week as further weather warnings for disruptive rain and stormy weather have been issued and are expected to last until Sunday 14 July.”
Clarence Drive and Franschhoek Pass, the road (R319) between Bredasdorp and Struisbaai, the R316 road between Bredasdorp and Arniston as well as a number of small farm roads in the district have been closed to traffic.
Don’t take unnecessary risks
Authorities urge those who have to travel to check reliable sources for news on any road closures in the district. Other tips include maintaining a safe following distance, ensuring your vehicle’s wipers and headlights are working and to avoid crossing flooded bridges and roads as the depth and the power of the water can be deceiving and thus dangerous.
Home owners are also cautioned to clean gutters and downpipes, ensure drains are clear of obstructions and to tie down any loose objects that are outdoors or to move it indoors.
Residents living in the Overstrand should report all emergencies related to flooding or public safety to the 24-hour Overstrand Emergency Services Control Room on 028 312 2400. Report issues with municipal services such as storm water to the municipality’s 24-hour basic services control room number on 028 313 8111.
In case of an emergency in the TWK municipal area, people can contact the municipality’s toll-free Emergency Contact Centre on 080 021 4730.
Cape Agulhas Municipality can be contacted on 028 425 5500 or 082 457 1774 in case of an emergency.
* NSRI Kleinmond 063 699 2765
* NSRI Hermanus 082 990 5967
NSRI Agulhas 082 990 5952.
