By Lerato Mpembe
KwaZulu-Natal Prepares for Snowfall with Emergency Response Teams on High Alert
The KwaZulu-Natal provincial government has ramped up preparations for an anticipated cold front, with the possibility of snowfall, expected later this week. While the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has not yet issued an official weather warning, the forecast indicates that snow could blanket high-lying areas of the Western Cape from Friday, 29 September 2024, before spreading to the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal by Monday, 30 September 2024.
During a media briefing on Thursday, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, reassured the public that contingency plans are in place. The province’s Road Incident Management Systems (RIMS), led by the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL), has been mobilised to ensure that all necessary measures are taken to mitigate the impact of the predicted cold weather conditions, including potential road closures and safety operations on key routes.
Duma explained that “joint operations and coordination efforts” are already underway, covering notorious routes that have been identified based on previous weather-related incidents. Key focus areas include Van Reenen’s Pass, a notorious stretch of the N3 highway known for closures during extreme weather conditions.
The province’s traffic law enforcement and emergency response teams are on high alert, with the Department of Transport’s Road Traffic Inspectorate establishing a satellite centre atop Van Reenen’s Pass. This centre will operate in 12-hour shifts from Saturday onwards, with a mission to ensure the swift closure of roads to prevent motorists from getting trapped in hazardous snow conditions.
Emergency Response Teams Mobilised
A consolidated emergency plan is in place, bringing together national, provincial, and municipal road authorities, as well as private stakeholders, to tackle potential disruptions to road traffic and public safety.
“The satellite centre at Van Reenen’s Pass will be the focal point of our response efforts,” Duma noted. “We are not taking any chances; we’ve sharpened our motor graders, and more than 10 of them will be stationed on key routes to respond with urgency. Our aim is to remove snow as quickly as possible before it accumulates on the roads.”
In total, the province has 21 graders on standby, which will be deployed to various areas where snowfall is expected to be most severe. The strategic deployment of this heavy machinery is aimed at ensuring rapid response to prevent roads from becoming impassable.
Traffic law enforcement teams are already collaborating with the N3 Toll Concession to ensure seamless communication about potential road closures and route changes. Duma urged motorists to reschedule or postpone non-essential journeys, emphasising that prevention is the best course of action. “We are urging the public to avoid unnecessary travel, especially on high-risk routes such as the N3 between Harrismith and Tugela Toll, the R617 between Kokstad and Underberg, the N2 Ingeli, and the N3 Mooi River.”
Trucking and Freight Sector Engaged
As part of the province’s proactive approach, Duma highlighted ongoing consultations with key stakeholders from the road freight industry, including trucking companies, port operators, and supply chain managers. The government is taking extra steps to ensure that congestion is avoided on major routes, particularly along the N3, which has experienced significant disruptions in the past due to truck congestion during adverse weather.
“Our engagement with the trucking industry is critical in preventing last-minute congestion and ensuring that freight vehicles are safely escorted through affected areas. We want to avoid a repeat of last weekend’s truck pile-up on the N3,” said Duma.
The province’s comprehensive road safety measures extend beyond the trucking industry. The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO), bus councils, and other public transport associations have also been included in the province’s discussions to ensure the safety of all road users.
Snowfall and Weather Forecast for KwaZulu-Natal
According to the SAWS, KwaZulu-Natal is expected to experience significant drops in temperature from Monday into Tuesday, with snowfall predicted to hit areas such as Ladysmith, Underberg, Drakensberg, and Giant Castle. While snowfall is likely to taper off by Tuesday evening, forecasters have warned that the cold front could be followed by widespread rainfall, particularly along coastal areas, including Durban.
SAWS has advised residents to stay up-to-date with the latest weather alerts and to take precautions as temperatures drop. Duma echoed these sentiments, emphasising that the provincial government is working closely with SAWS to monitor weather patterns and adjust their emergency response accordingly.
“Our main priority is to ensure the safety of residents, especially those in areas prone to severe weather conditions. We are in continuous communication with the weather service, and we’re prepared to act swiftly should conditions worsen.”
Addressing Road Infrastructure and Future Rail Solutions
The recent heavy snowfall and the truck congestion on the N3 have highlighted the pressing need for improved infrastructure and alternative transport solutions. Duma underscored the province’s ongoing efforts to develop its rail network to alleviate pressure on the road system, particularly for freight.
“The truck congestion we experienced last weekend on the N3 between Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal reinforces the importance of our long-term plan to modernise and expand our rail infrastructure. We are committed to moving certain freight goods, such as coal, from road to rail to prevent future disruptions,” he said.
Working closely with the national Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA), and other stakeholders, KwaZulu-Natal is focused on transforming rail services to make them a cornerstone of public and freight transport in the province.
“We are aware of the significant challenges facing commuter rail services in KwaZulu-Natal, but we are also committed to making the necessary investments to improve these services,” Duma added.
Coordination with Public and Private Sector Stakeholders
In addition to preparing for snowfall, the KwaZulu-Natal government has initiated several engagements with public and private sector stakeholders to strengthen the province’s road safety measures. This includes collaborations with trucking associations, public transport operators, and freight companies that rely on the province’s road networks to transport goods.
The provincial government has also been in consultation with engineers and SANRAL to assess the potential impact of heavy snowfall on the region’s road infrastructure. Early assessments have indicated that specific areas along the N3 and other key routes may require further interventions to ensure that roads remain safe and passable during snowstorms.
“We are also using this opportunity to address longer-term infrastructure challenges,” said Duma. “By assessing the impact of snowfall on our roads and bridges, we can develop more sustainable solutions to improve the resilience of our road networks in future extreme weather events.”
Public Safety and Communication
To ensure that the public is well-informed and prepared for potential road closures and other disruptions, the KwaZulu-Natal government has launched a public awareness campaign. This campaign will use local radio stations, social media platforms, and community networks to provide real-time updates on weather conditions, road closures, and alternative routes.
“The safety of our road users is paramount,” said Duma. “We are working hard to provide timely information so that the public can make informed decisions. In the event of extreme weather, it is crucial for people to heed official advice and avoid unnecessary travel.”
Download Here:
Central News Weekly Edition 073 | Download the latest weekly edition| Top Story: “R180,000 in Prizes at Edgar Legoale Festive Soccer Tournament 2024”
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube
#centralnewsza #freestate