The rainy conditions that have been prevalent since late last week have led to significant damage to roads across the Overberg District, with many roads being closed.
And with more rain and low temperatures predicted by the South African Weather Service for the remainder of the week, the situation with the roads are likely to worsen.
The Provincial Minister of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers, urged motorists to be safe and cautious when travelling on the roads.
He said: “Please obey all road signs; they are there for very good reason. If the water is too deep for you to see the roadway, turn around and take another route. Where roads are underwater, the roadway may have been damaged or washed away, and there may be obstacles under the water you cannot see. Water flow may be strong enough to wash your vehicle away.”
The Department of Infrastructure confirmed the closure of the following roads in the Overberg District:
• R316 TR29/2 Arniston road
• R319, MR264 Bredasdorp/Swellendam road
• R319, MR261 Struisbaai road
• DR1219, Elim/Napier road
• DR1212, Kleiheuwel road (Arniston-Struisbaai link)
• DR1213, Droëmelkbos road (Arniston-Struisbaai link)
• DR1207, Prinskraal/De Mond road
• DR1205, Elim/Struisbaai road
• DR1209, Wiesdrift road
• DR1216, Boskloof road
• DR1217, Elim/Jan Swartskraal road
• OP4170, Elim/Kersgat road
• OP4171, Boskloof/Kersgat road
• OP4036, Hermanuspietersfontein
• OP4037, Kleintransvaal road
• OP4041, Korsika road at Baardskeerdersbos
• OP4040, Boesmansrivier road at Baardskeerdersbos
• OP4044, Tierfontein road at Baardskeerdersbos
• OP4047, Wolvengat road
• OP4046, Sandpad road
•OP4430, Grashoek road closed at km 7
The Franschhoek Pass will also be closed to traffic from Monday 10 to Wednesday 12 June for roadworks and repairs to the road surface. The road will be reopened on Thursday 13 June.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued an advisory warning of possible damaging winds and waves that could be prevalent until Sunday 9 June. A statement by Overstrand Municipality (OM) warns that further showers and rain can be expected over the south-western parts of the region from Wednesday 5 June.
The Cape Agulhas Municipality reported that the area received about 200 mm of rain in recent days. This led to flash flooding in some areas with road damage on minor roads.
Although authorities indicated that the road between Struisbaai and Bredasdorp was closed, motorists with large vehicles such as SUVs and bakkies have used the route.
CAM also confirmed that the Arniston Road (R316) was closed due to flooding and the road between Elim and Napier was closed due to damage to the road and pipe culverts that washed away. The Boskloof road (DR1216), said the municipality, had also been closed to traffic due to the road being washed away at several points.
The municipality also reported earlier this week that pedestrian bridges (the Golf and Baadjies Street bridge and the Padiachy and Rand Street bridge) had been damaged and were unstable due to water damage.
Motorists are urged to exercise extreme caution on the roads, not to take unnecessary risks, maintain a safe speed limit and following distance and to switch their headlights on when travelling in the rain.
Strong winds wreaked havoc last week, damaging power lines resulting in power outages in certain areas such as Villiersdorp and Grabouw. Theewaterskloof Municipality also reported technicians had to repair a pole near the Caledon hot-water springs that had been damaged as result of the strong winds.
Last weekend in the Overstrand teams were dispatched to clear up debris left on the surface of the R43 near Grootbos Private Nature Reserve due to mudslides.
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.
• 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.
Emergency contact numbers:
In case of an emergency, residents of the Overstrand Municipal area can contact the following numbers:
• 028 312 2400 in case of a Fire or Flood;
• 028 313 8111 for municipal services emergencies relating to burst water pipes and blocked drains;
• 082 990 5967 NSRI Hermanus;
• 063 699 2765 NSRI Kleinmond.
Residents of the Cape Agulhas municipal district can report all emergencies and service requests to the Joint Operations Centre (JOC) on 028 425 5500 or 028 425 5600 or send WhatsApp messages to 064 758 4532.
Those residing in the Theewaterskloof municipal area can call the Theewaterskloof Emergency Contact Centre toll-free on 080 021 4730 in case of an emergency.
