KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, has strongly appealed to Easter weekend travellers to watch climate alerts and put together for doable snow and heavy rain.
The South African Climate Service (SAWS) has forecast a chilly entrance that might influence components of the province between Friday, 18 April, and Monday, 21 April, coinciding with a pointy rise in street visitors.
“We’re in receipt of a climate report from the SAWS informing us of a chilly entrance that can consequence within the dropping of temperatures, heavy rainfall and doable snowfall,” mentioned Duma.
Moreover, though a snow blanket throughout the province is just not anticipated, authorities stay on excessive alert as a result of dangers posed by erratic climate patterns.
Snow warning: Heightened readiness throughout key routes
With excessive visitors volumes anticipated on main highways, together with the N3 and N2 corridors, the Street Site visitors Inspectorate has been deployed to watch roads and coordinate interventions. These embrace escorting vehicles and managing congestion, notably on snow-prone routes such because the R617 between Kokstad and Underberg and the N3 close to Mooi River.
“Drawing from our previous expertise, we’re totally conscious of hazards and the havoc related to the snow,” Duma mentioned.
“These are the realities of erratic climate patterns attributable to local weather change.”
Moreover, he added that greater than 10 motor graders could be on standby to clear snow rapidly if it accumulates, guaranteeing safer passage for motorists.
Help for weak communities
Moreover, in preparation for potential flooding or snow-related injury to houses, Duma confirmed the activation of a roving Human Settlements group. The unit can even work carefully with the Nationwide Emergency Housing and Mitigation Unit and Minister Thembi Simelane to answer housing emergencies.
“The province, working with the Minister of Human Settlements, will make sure that displaced households are relocated to make sure their security,” Duma mentioned.
Plans to hurry up the deployment of Momentary Residential Items are already underway to shelter these affected.
Will KwaZulu-Natal’s proactive measures be sufficient to make sure a secure and disruption-free Easter weekend for travellers and residents alike?
Tell us by leaving a remark beneath, or ship a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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