Roads reopened in KwaZulu-Natal

Photo: Angela van Nes

Photo: Angela van Nes

Published Aug 7, 2012

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Durban -

KwaZulu-Natal roads were re-opened to traffic on Tuesday afternoon after being closed for about two hours due to heavy snow, said a Road Traffic Inspectorate spokeswoman.

The roads affected included the N3 at Van Reenen's Pass, the N2

between Harding and Kokstad, the R617 between Swartberg Underberg and the P609 Matatiele, RTI spokeswoman Zinhle Mngomezulu said.

Earlier, about 200 trucks were held up at Tugela toll plaza. Light motor vehicles had to be diverted towards Newcastle.

The KwaZulu-Natal co-operative governance and traditional affairs department said it had placed its disaster management teams on standby.

“Emergency rescue and disaster personnel have been dispatched to various parts of the province, especially the interior, where heavy snow is currently falling and making the N3 impassable,” spokesman Vernon Mchunu said.

Co-operative governance and traditional affairs MEC Nomusa Dube said no disastrous situations had been reported.

“The cold weather is set to continue throughout the day and into the night, and so is the rainfall.

“Therefore, we urge communities to be cautious with fires as they try to heat up their homes to keep warm,” Dube said.

She also urged motorists to drive carefully, as the roads were slippery and snowfalls were forecast in some parts of the province. - Sapa

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