A SPECIALIST team of engineers and technicians has been deployed to the Kamiesberg Municipality to assess several roads that were damaged during recent floods and heavy thunderstorms.

Department of Roads and Public Works spokesperson Zandisile Luphahla said that in the Namakwa District – particularly the Kamiesberg Municipality – key access roads in areas such as Kamasies (DR2951), Rooifontein (DR2951), Nourivier/Platbakkies (DR2944), Roodekloof (DR2944), and Rooiwal (OG110) had sustained significant damage.

"The bridge leading to Kamasies has been completely washed away, while blocked culverts are making access extremely difficult. Urgent intervention is required," said Luphahla.

Severely damaged roads in the Nama Khoi municipal area include:

Droedap Road (DR2951)

Wildeperdehoek Pass (DR2952)

Concordia/Goodhouse Road (DR2958)

Goodhouse/Witbank Road (DR3251)

Affected roads in the Hantam municipal area near Calvinia include:

Losperplaas Road (DR2948)

Brandvlei/Katkop Road (DR2976)

Granaatboskolk Road (DR2972)

Bonekraal Road (DR2275)

Luphahla said that despite muddy and waterlogged conditions, teams were working tirelessly to transport materials, blade roads, and construct temporary detours.

"Some progress has been reversed due to continued rain, but recovery efforts are ongoing. The Northern Cape has experienced unusually high rainfall this season, which is a stark reminder of the growing impact of climate change and the increased frequency of extreme weather events like thunderstorms and flash floods."

He advised the public to avoid the Kanoneiland Bridge outside Upington, which was closed due to flooding caused by rising water levels in the Orange River.

"The road connecting the N14 and R359 is affected. Motorists are urged to use alternative routes via Keimoes and Upington until further notice."

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