The temporary closure of Rietvlei Nature Reserve has been announced by the City of Tshwane due to disruptive rains in the area.

The closure will remain in place until further notice to ensure the safety of both visitors and staff.

City spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said the city is compelled to temporarily close operations at this facility due to flooding caused by persistent rainfall over the past few days.

“The roads within the nature reserve are not drivable, and most of the bridges are flooded, resulting in the risk of vehicular damage and drownings.”

He said the city apologises for any inconvenience that may arise as a result of the closure.

Here is a list of more areas in Pretoria that have been affected by the rain:

The areas that have been affected by these heavy rains are as follows:
• Mamelodi near the Mams Mall
• Eerste Fabriek (Pienaars River near the banana bridge on Tsamaya Road)
• Soshanguve
• Hammanskraal
• Lephengville
• Mabopane
• Ga-Rankuwa (Sand River, along Lucas Mangope Road, near the Hebron Police Station)
• Stinkwater (some areas are flooded)
• Temba • Majaneng
• Capital Park (Apies River low water bridge)
• Akasia
• Centurion (Hennops River) The roads are being monitored or closed in Irene train bridge on Jan Smuts Avenue and Nellmapius Drive, and Lenchen Avenue, Irene Dairy Farm, Rabie and End Streets. The Zwartkop Golf Estate is flooded as the river overflows.
• Roger Dyason Road under the train bridge in Pretoria Industrial.
• Vom Hagen Street, near the train bridge in Pretoria West.

Keep the following in mind when reporting an emergency: please remain calm, speak clearly, know where you are, give the correct address, and give your correct contact number to allow the operator to phone you back should they be required to do so.

The City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department, therefore, calls on communities to remain alert during the disruptive weather and to immediately report all emergencies like fire, flooding, fallen trees, rescue incidents and areas without electricity or fallen powerlines by calling 107 toll-free or alternatively calling 012 358 6300/6400.

Also read: Disaster teams on high alert in Pretoria as more disruptive rain is expected

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