Mop-up operations underway in KwaZulu-Natal after heavy snowfall

14 Views

Mop-up operations are underway in KwaZulu-Natal following severe snowfall, which caused disruptions to major routes and damaged infrastructure.

Giving an update on the snowfall response measures, following the closure of the N2 highway around Kokstad and Port Shepstone on Tuesday, KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC, Siboniso Duma, commended the coordinated efforts of motor grader operators and the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), who worked around the clock to ensure the free traffic flow.

Duma said the department set a target to remove the snow that blanketed the N2 (R56) along the route from Port Shepstone, Kokstad and Eastern Cape.

“Importantly, I gave the team from the Pietermaritzburg Region a mandate to remove the snow before it could accumulate to above 30cm. They have done exactly that and in record time. This is a historic achievement that inspires us to do more for the people of KwaZulu-Natal,” Duma said.

Snowfall response measures

In anticipation of severe weather, the province activated its comprehensive snowfall response plan following alerts from the South African Weather Service (SAWS).

Measures included:

• The Road Safety and Traffic Inspectorate involved in the coordination of possible road closures and observation of major routes in consultation with N3 Toll Concession. The focus is on N2, Kokstad and Port Shepstone, N3 between Harrismith, Tugela Toll, R617 between Kokstad and Underberg, Ingeli and N3 Mooi-River, and others.
• Drivers of motor graders sharpened to respond with speed and a sense of urgency to remove any snow before it accumulates to more than 30cm in depth on the road. More than 10 graders to be stationed on identified routes to ensure that the response is faster.
• The provincial government interacted with the South African Weather Service to ensure that the response is based on authentic information.

Duma said t the province has applied lessons learned during last year’s snowfall that was triggered by the cut-off low-pressure system.

However, despite these efforts, he said several motorists, including trucks and luxury buses, became stuck along the N2 in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

“We continue to plead with members of the public to heed the warning from the SA Weather Service. If you are asked to delay your trips, please do so in order to save your life. Prevention is better than cure,” Duma said.

District municipalities road conditions

The Department of Transport also provided an update on the status of roads across various district municipalities:

• eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality: All roads are open. No effect from adverse weather. Experiencing heavy wind on the coastal area.
• Ilembe District Municipality: All roads are open. No effect from adverse weather. Experiencing heavy wind on coastal area at this time.
• uMgungundlovu District Municipality: All roads are open. No effect from adverse weather. Experiencing heavy Berg winds currently.
• Umkhanyakude District Municipality: All roads are open. Experiencing windy conditions. The main concern is a fallen tree on the road at R22, Section 2, which was reported last night. Our standby team responded promptly and removed the tree. The rehabilitation contracts are proceeding smoothly with only day closures currently in place.
• Zululand District Municipality: No issues have been reported, and the patrol teams are actively monitoring the route.
• King Cetshwayo District Municipality: All seems to be in order for now. The patrol teams are inspecting the route.
• N2 Ugu District Municipality: Rain with strong winds. Fallen trees are being attended by Routine Road Management (RRM). No major issues to report on the N2 towards Port Edward and N2 towards Harding.
• Harry Gwala District Municipality: The N2 from Ingeli towards Kokstad triangle is closed due to the snow. N2 from Kokstad triangle (Kokstad Bridge project) towards Brooksnek is also closed due to snow.
• Amajuba District Municipality: N11-3 and 4 is clear. Just very high, icy winds prevailing.
• Uthukela District Municipality: N11-1 and 2 are clear. Just very high, icy winds prevailing. Snow on the Drakensberg but not effecting any roads.
• Umzinyathi District Municipality: N11-3 clear. Just very high, icy winds prevailing.

“There is rain and strong winds in Umzimkhulu and Ixopo. uMzimkhulu RTI and RRM closed the road on the N2 Stafford Post (Umzimkhulu area) because motorists are not heeding snow warnings and trying to go through despite the snow in Beesterkraal,” Duma said.