The departmental spokesperson, Hillary Mophethe, says that damages to secondary roads amount to an estimated R163 million.

She explains that the roads will require re-gravelling to ensure they are safe for all road users.

The department's maintenance teams have since been deployed across the province as repairs to roads commence.

An extensive amount of damage has been caused by the flooding, in turn creating hazardous driving conditions, explains Mophethe.

Furthermore, the road maintenance teams have been deployed all over the province to do repairs in the areas of Memel, Hennenman, Vrede, Edenville, Senekal, Winburg, and Reitz.

By virtue of reconditioning the roads, large quantities of road workers will be placed at the various hotspot areas, says Mophethe.

She goes on to say that Free State Police, Roads and Transport MEC, Sam Mashinini, pleads with all road users be vigilant and approach these workers with caution to avoid accidents.

She mentions that the department plans to develop methods of protecting roads by building embankments that should curb extreme flooding during severe rainstorms.

Mophethe assures all road users that they have prioritised the re-gravelling of roads to ensure that roads are safe and operable for all.

OFM News /Shirndré-Lee Simmons