MEC for Public Works and Roads cautions road users of severe rainy conditions affecting provincial road infrastructure

The North West Department of Public Works and Roads MEC, Sempe Elizabeth Mokua warns road users and commuters of severe weather conditions that have affected the provincial infrastructure causing roads to be untrafficable.

According to MEC, the recent rainfalls have had a massive impact on the safety of road users especially those severely affected communities, causing flooding of roads and bridges in low-lying areas.
“We have noted a number of incidents like the one in Khunwana of a flooded bridge posing a potential risk as the bridge serves as an access road to other villages and basic services.

She maintains that the department is aware of these already-existing infrastructure challenges that are exacerbated by the rains.”Some of the roads have potholes which are also widening during this rainy period. These potholes have already caused damages to vehicles and they may potentially lead to accidents,” said MEC

MEC Mokua also alluded to the fact that these extreme damages to the roads were not anticipated and therefore impacts on the unplanned maintenance of roads which requires more funding.

“The department has assessed the condition of the roads across all the districts. We will continue with routine road maintenance while awaiting approval of the disaster relief funds of which a formal application has been submitted through COGTA to the Premier,” said MEC Mokua

Appealing and urging commuters to heed to weather warnings issued by the South African Weather Services, MEC Mokua said people must exercise extreme caution when driving on the which are greatly impacted by the continuous rainfalls.
“Take precautions by slowing down when approaching areas with potholes to avoid losing control of your vehicle; keep an eye out for flooding areas on the roads, potholes and other road hazards,”cautioned MEC.

“The department is committed to working towards repairing the potholes and improving the provincial road infrastructure. We will also put more efforts to ensure the necessary support to communities across the province,” said MEC.

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