A grader clears snow from a road in KwaZulu-Natal during a snowstorm that left hundreds of motorists stranded and resulted in one death last weekend. Picture: KZN Cogta
KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport MEC Siboniso Duma said following the recent snow storm the department will strengthen road safety measures as more snow is predicted next week.
The snowstorm last weekend resulted in thousands of motorists being trapped along N3 and other major routes, as well as one death.
On Thursday at a briefing at the Greyville Racecourse in Durban, Duma said while the department is aware that the SA Weather Service (Saws) will update its forecast, highly efficient and dedicated teams are now on standby.
Duma said the Road Incident Management Systems (RIMS) led by the South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) which comprises all key role players on the national, provincial, and municipal road networks are already coordinating one plan.
“They are identifying areas where joint operations and coordination will be established, covering all notorious roads and areas identified in the past experiences,” he said.
According to Duma, Saws has noted that Ladysmith, Underberg, Drakensberg and Giant’s Castle among other high-ground areas will be affected.
He said the department's Road traffic Inspectorate is establishing a satellite centre on top of the Van Reenen’s Pass.
“[The satellite centre] will ensure quick action and road closure to mitigate against people getting trapped in snow,” said the MEC.
Duma said the Road Safety and Traffic Inspectorate are already involved in the coordination of possible road closures and observation of major routes in consultation with N3 Toll Concession. “The focus is on N3 between Harrismith, Tugela Toll, R617 between Kokstad and Underberg, N2 Ingeli and N3 Mooi-River, and others.”
He said the team will also be responsible for escorting trucks and vehicles to ensure that there is no congestion on the road.
However, Duma urged members of the public to reschedule or postpone their journeys in anticipation of any eventuality.
The MEC said drivers of graders are currently being told to respond with speed and a sense of urgency to remove any snow before it accumulates on the road.
“More than 10 Graders will be stationed in identified routes to ensure that our response is faster,” said Duma, adding that the province has 21 graders which will all be on standby.
Duma stated that the department has started engaging with key stakeholders including the road freight, taxi and bus industries among others to ensure a collaborative approach in order to avoid any crisis and ensure the safety of road users.
“We will coordinate all KZN stakeholders to cooperate and promote, develop, and ensure exchange of educational and public awareness material on climate change and its effects on road infrastructure and human settlements.
The MEC said the department has developed a clear plan on how to roll out educational and public awareness programmes involving all communities, sectors of society, and all leaders irrespective of political affiliation.
He added that they will also work with traditional leaders, religious leaders and soon to be launched transport forums.
The Mercury