Mop up operations continue across the Western Cape road network

Safety of citizens is paramount as rebuilding and repair work continues.

While the Western Cape Government has been working round the clock to re-open roads and, along with their partners, assist communities that have been badly affected by the recent heavy rains and flooding, some mop-up operations are taking some time to complete due to the extent of the damage. The Western Cape Government has put some frequently asked questions together, along with their responses, to assist with keeping citizens up to date on progress.

FAQS

1. What is the estimated total cost of the damage caused by the storm across the province?

At this stage, costs for repairs to cannot be confirmed until all inspections and assessments of damage have been carried out. It is likely to be a considerable amount, when taking into account for example amongst other costs the number of bridges and roads that have been completely washed away.

2. Why are some roads taking longer to re-open than others?

While main routes and alternatives to main routes are prioritised, at times, despite being a high priority, we have to wait for the flood water to subside. This is in the case where a road remains under water or where landslips have occurred. For example, both Clarence Drive and Franschhoek Pass have significant landslips, and repair work cannot commence until the slips have stabilised.

3. The storm has passed and everything is drying up, why are some roads still closed?

With saturated ground, water causes expansion in certain cases and when an area dries, it contracts again. This could lead to further instability. We therefore urge residents not to disregard road closure signs – they are in place for residents’ safety.

4. How does the Government decide which roads to prioritise for fixing?

The WCG takes into account the following when prioritising road repairs:

·    Main routes and alternatives to main routes;

·       Access to communities that have been cut off completely for humanitarian relief, food and emergency services; and

·       Roads which are of economic importance, such as those needed for movement of goods/exports etc.

“Last week’s unprecedented storm has severely impacted our communities. While much has been done in terms of mop-up operations and responding to communities’ needs, we are still in the process of our disaster response and will be for some time. As we further inspect the road network, we are discovering additional damage to infrastructure”, said Ms Jacqueline Gooch, Head of the Department of Infrastructure.

Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers, added that: “I strongly urge citizens to please be patient and not to disregard road closure signs. The safety of commuters and road users remains a key priority of the Western Cape Government. Having personally visited some of the damaged road infrastructure, I can attest that at first glance, some of these roads appear to be in good condition. However, much of the damage is beneath the surface of the road. In one instance the entire support structure under a lane was completely washed out which means it is just a layer of asphalt/tar keeping the road up.”

The recent storm has no doubt had a severe impact on the lives of many of our residents. Donations in the form of blankets, water, dry and non-perishable food, baby food and toiletries are needed to assist displaced families. Citizens who are able to donate towards relief efforts are requested to drop off any donations at the following offices of the SA Red Cross Society:

1. Wynberg: 21 Broad Road, Wynberg
2. Greyton: 11 Pointers Way, Heuwelkroon, Greyton
3. Hermanus: 2A Aberdeen Street, Hermanus
4. Knysna: 25 Trotter Street, Knysna

As repairs and relief efforts continue, the Western Cape Government sincerely thanks all officials, teams on the ground and partners for hard work thus far and the work currently underway. The Western Cape Government also thanks the many citizens who have assisted those in dire need. Together, we will repair and restore our province to the thriving place we all call home.