Cape Town – The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Transport Department has deployed a team to clear snow from roads as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) forecasts more snow and freezing temperatures from Sunday to Tuesday.
The snowfall is expected to be lighter than the previous weekend, which caused major disruptions, including the closure of the N3 highway and two deaths from hypothermia.
Orange & Yellow: LEVEL 4 & 5, Disruptive snow
Affected area: Western & Northern Cape
Valid: 30 September 2024.#saws #weatheroutlook #southafricanweather pic.twitter.com/M0PUaUpP2J— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) September 29, 2024
Transport MEC Siboniso Duma emphasised road safety concerns, urging motorists to postpone travel due to dangerous conditions.
“We decided to do a final test of our road safety plans before the snowfall. We continue to receive updates from SA Weather Services.
“We pointed out that we regard the light snowfall as extremely dangerous and fatal. We state this because it greases up the roads, which leads to road accidents,” The Citizen quoted Duma as saying.
The department will apply salt and brine to roads and has stationed graders and other equipment to remove snow quickly.
Traffic officers and road safety teams are on standby to assist stranded motorists and ensure route safety.
On Friday, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) said it was coordinating with municipalities and law enforcement to prepare for potential disruptions.
“Residents across the province are assured that the Provincial Disaster Management Centre will continue to engage directly with stakeholders, including municipalities through the respective District Disaster Management Centres, social partners, and government entities responsible for law enforcement, disaster response, and roads, to ensure plans are in place to deal with any eventuality should the weather conditions deteriorate,” IOL quoted Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, as saying.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
