Motorists travelling on the N14 between Vryburg and Kuruman have been warned to avoid the route entirely, as authorities continue to enforce strict safety measures. The flooding has caused critical infrastructure damage and left the national road unsafe for travel.

North West community safety and transport management MEC Wessels Morweng has reiterated calls for road users to comply with instructions issued by traffic officials. The provincial government is also working to implement measures aimed at repairing and restoring damaged infrastructure.

“The road has been temporarily closed due to floods, and we are (advising) our motorists to comply with rules from our traffic officials to ensure they don’t cross the road, as it is dangerous. At the moment, it is only permissible to cross under the guidance of traffic officials. We urge everyone to adhere to the rules.”

Authorities have ramped up monitoring efforts along the affected route. Road traffic management director Suebuel Mmono briefed Premier Lazarus Mokgosi during an oversight visit. Mokgosi was accompanied by, among others, cooperative governance, human settlements and traditional affairs MEC Oageng Molapisi and public works and roads MEC Elizabeth Mokua.

Mmono outlined immediate interventions by law enforcement, including a 24-hour operation to monitor and control traffic in the area. “On this road, we are at premier since Saturday, we started with our 24-hour service so that the road gets blocked.

“However, when we started, there were those drivers who were a bit agitated with them being stopped and wanting to force through, hence in the media, there have been reports that vehicles are stuck with people trying to forcefully drive through, even trucks.

“We agreed with the joint team that we have to completely close because it’s a disaster which has been reported in the public works structure in terms of the engineering, that the more cars pass, the more danger and damage to the infrastructure as well. We are on the ground and have been working on that.”

Authorities say both the North West and Northern Cape governments have agreed to a full closure of the road, with limited access granted only to vehicles travelling short distances to nearby farms. Residents from areas such as Tina Farm have also been cautioned against using the route.

Officials continue to warn that ignoring road closures not only puts lives at risk but could further damage already compromised infrastructure.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi sm

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