Africa: KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube has urged residents, especially in the northern parts of KZN, to remain indoors and for motorists to be extra cautious as heavy rains batter some parts of the province.
It is feared that the heavy rains could lead to localised flooding and cause extensive damage to roads, bridges and other infrastructure.
The Provincial Government has dispatched Disaster Management teams and Provincial Road Traffic Inspectorates in all affected areas, including around eMfihlweni Royal Residence in Manguzi, the venue for Umthayi Marula Festival, in uMkhanyakude District.
Some roads in the northern parts of the province are completely closed due to flooding and poor visibility.
“We appeal to our communities not to risk their lives but to stay indoors and not to risk travelling to festivals or public engagements because of the extreme weather conditions in the northern parts of KwaZulu-Natal. We have teams on the ground who are on 24-hour standby, and our Road Traffic Inspectorate are diverting traffic in areas where roads and bridges have been flooded, especially in low-lying areas,” said Premier Dube-Ncube.
Premier Dube-Ncube calls on motorists to drive with extreme care as roads are slippery due to the inclement weather conditions.
“So far, no serious car crashes resulting in multiple fatalities on our roads have been reported on major roads, such as the N2 and N3, as a result of the heavy downpour. However, we appeal to road users and pedestrians to continue to put safety as a priority in everything they do. We are still a province that is rising from the devastating floods of April 2022, and the scars still remain visible. Let us act responsibly in these conditions to avoid any loss of life, concluded Premier Dube-Ncube.