The major roads linking North West and the Northern Cape have been closed for some time after flooding caused critical infrastructure damage and left the national road unsafe for travel. Authorities have called on road users to comply with closure signs placed near flooded roads.

Motorists are strongly advised to avoid the area and instead use the N18 route from Vryburg to Kimberley via Taung as an alternative, said police spokesperson Col. Adéle Myburgh.

On Wednesday (20/5), the Road Traffic Management Corporation urged vigilance, with intensified focus on pedestrian safety and hazardous road conditions during winter. “Winter presents a dangerous cocktail of hazards on South African roads,” said spokesperson Simon Zwane.

Motorists are still being cautioned to avoid the N14 road between Vryburg and Kuruman. Photo: SAPS

“Late sunrises and early sunsets mean that peak commuting hours now take place in twilight or complete darkness. Compounding this are regional weather threats, including dense morning mist and fog in KwaZulu Natal, Limpopo, and Western Cape alongside the treacherous threat of invisible black ice on the roads of the Free State, Eastern Cape and high altitude mountain passes.”

Human behaviour remained the leading cause of road accidents, he said. “As visibility drops during these winter months, both motorists and pedestrians must drastically change their behaviour to adapt to the conditions.”

Road traffic management director Suebuel Mmono outlined immediate interventions by law enforcement, including a 24-hour operation to monitor and control traffic in the affected area.

“When we started with 24-hour service to get road blocked, 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.”

Both North West and Northern Cape governments have agreed to a full closure of the road. Vehicles travelling short distances to nearby farms have been granted limited access.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi sm

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