With yesterday marking the start of the school holidays, Anton Bredell, the MEC of local government, environmental affairs and development planning in the Western Cape, has issued a plea to holidaymakers, urging them to carefully plan their travels as numerous roads remain closed following the floods.
Speaking at a briefing, Bredell emphasised the importance of careful consideration when making travel plans, as several roads either remain closed, have limited access lanes or are subject to stop-go arrangements.
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Currently, a stop-go arrangement is in effect on the N1 in De Doorns, which is expected to persist for a minimum of three months.
The N2 is completely closed near Botriver, the R43 in the direction towards Villiersdorp is shut, Hemel and Aarde Road is inaccessible towards Hermanus and the R321 from Molteno in the direction of Villiersdorp is also closed.
Updated information on road closures can be accessed here.
Hermanus has suffered significant damage to its water supply infrastructure during the recent floods. As a result, emergency services are currently providing water to the entire community using trucks and tankers.
Bredell requested that visitors to the area show consideration for these water trucks on the road. He also suggested that visitors bring their own water supply and, if possible, bring extra water to assist the affected community.
In terms of affected communities, the City of Cape Town has updated its figures, indicating that 21 011 people and 6 906 structures have been impacted. Assessments are still pending for Covid Settlement, LA Burundi and Strongyard in Mfuleni.
Relief efforts continue to reach rural communities that are still isolated due to road washouts. Special attention is being given to farm worker families, particularly in the Breede River Municipality, with efforts aimed at connecting and supporting those in need.
Regarding school closures, Bredell noted that 16 Western Cape schools remain closed, down from 39 closures on Tuesday and 21 on Wednesday. The recovery process is progressing rapidly, allowing schools to reopen successfully. Officials are working closely with schools to ensure they can resume operations as soon as possible, and parents are encouraged to stay in touch with their respective schools for updates on closures.
David Maynier, the Western Cape Provincial Minister of Education, expressed gratitude to emergency services, government and non-governmental organisations and schools for their assistance in the recovery efforts following the devastating storm.
Bredell extended thanks to Eskom for their around-the-clock efforts to rectify faults and repair damaged infrastructure caused by the severe weather. While acknowledging that there are ongoing issues in the power supply system, he assured the public that Eskom is working diligently to address these challenges under challenging conditions.
Numerous NGOs, including the SA Red Cross Society, Gift of the Givers, Islamic Relief and Mustadafin, have been providing vital support in various municipalities, including the Cape Winelands District, Overberg District, Breede Valley Municipality, Drakenstein and towns like Ashton and McGregor. This support extends to agricultural workers and their families, with aid reaching 186 families and 741 individuals in small towns and farms.
In the City of Cape Town, 10 282 people have received meals, and social workers and community development workers are conducting outreach efforts in collaboration with local municipality officials.
Donations in the form of blankets, water, non-perishable food, baby food, toiletries and dignity packs are needed.
For those able to contribute, several SA Red Cross Society offices are available as donation drop-off points, as listed below:
- Wynberg Provincial Office: 21 Broad Road, Wynberg | 021 7975360 or 0609037473
- Greyton office: 11 Pointers Weg, Heuwelkroon, Greyton | 028 254 9378 or 0761 335777
- Hermanus office: 2A Aberdeen Street, Hermanus| 072 609 8655
- Knysna office: 25 Trotter Street, Knysna | 044 382 1244
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Children frolic in flood water as only pool in Brown’s Farm remains closed
Picture: Matt Hardy / Pexels