This is according to the MEC for Roads and Public Works in the Northern Cape, Fufe Makatong, who addressed the media on the comprehensive plan for the R31 road at the Squarehill Park in Kimberley. OFM News earlier reported that the department had closed the R31 road between Koopmansfontein and Middelpos after the road was flooded as a result of recent rainfall in the area. Makatong said that more damage to road layers is expected to be uncovered as some roads remain submerged.  

“The engineers have advised that after they have put some gravel on the road just to clear the road yesterday, the road is still submerged. They could establish that in the one lane there is a big pot hole of a metre deep, and that it will not be safe for people to continue to use the road. The resurfacing could not have started, it cannot start if the road is still submerged,” adds Makatong.

Also read: Flooded R31 in Northern Cape remains closed

Meanwhile road users travelling from Kimberley to Kuruman should use the N12 route to Warrenton, Jan Kempdorp, Taung, Vryburg, then to Kuruman. Those travelling from Postmasburg to Kimberley should use the R325 to Griekwastad and then join the N8 to Kimberley.

Those travelling from Lime Acres to Kimberley should use the R385 to Campbell - which is 69km of gravel road - to join the N8. Makamo further added that the gravel roads will have to be heavily maintained due to the overload of traffic on various diverted routes.

OFM News