Rains continue to wreak havoc on Pretoria roads
The rain has led to the development of several road hazards, while low-water bridges are flooded.
Heavy rainfall since Thursday, February 9, has damaged roads in Centurion and Pretoria and ensured low-lying bridges are closed due to flooding.
But Tshwane emergency services spokesperson Charles Mabaso said that his department had not received many reports of the flooding of homes.
Mabaso said that his department, together with SAPS, was searching for an unconfirmed number of people that were reported swept away by a stream in Olievenhoutbosch.
Mabaso said that his department would closely monitor the situation as more rain has been forecast.
Motorists should be aware of the following low-lying water crossings:
– Nellmapius bridge
– Rabie bridge
– End Street
– Witstinkhout bridge
– Blackwood bridge
– Lyttleton Road bridge
Rains have also affected the following roads:
– Snake Valley Road flooding near the airforce base
– Irene on Main Road is closed due to subsidence on the road
– Hendrik Verwoerd road at Raslow Lifestyle has a large pothole
– Flooding at Rooihuiskraal Road and Roger Dyson Road
Mabaso said a vehicle became trapped in a flooded section of Roger Dyson Road, however, the occupants were evacuated safely.
Several trees fell over the weekend in Centurion and Valhalla, but Mabaso confirmed that they have been cleared, with the help of volunteers from the community.
Residents reported a hole forming at Raslow Lifestyle Centre at the end of Hendrik Verwoerd road in Centurion after the heavy rains.
Councillor Marika Kruger-Muller said that the city had earlier this year approached the geology department to find out if the hole was another sinkhole.
The department confirmed that the damage was not due to a sinkhole, but most likely erosion caused by “leakage or overflow at a manhole”.
Kruger-Muller said that the hole had previously been cordoned off with tape and repair work are undertaken.
“The hole was filled with tar, but with the heavy rains today, the tar must be lifting”
A portion of Main Road (M18) in Irene has been closed after the roads and transport department said that it was unsafe, said councillor Gert Visser.
According to Visser, the sinking of parts of the road is not caused by what normally results in sinkholes in Centurion.
“The road subsidence was investigated by the metro’s geologist last year, who advised that it was not a sinkhole and was most probably caused by a water leak which has since been repaired.
“Main Road has been closed in the vicinity of Alexandra Road in the north, and Main Road and Pioneer Road in the south,” said Visser.
The Hennops River has burst its banks, leading to widespread flooding and the closure of local roads.
“Two cars were stuck on Blackwood and Lyttelton roads,” said Mabaso.
“The occupants of both vehicles evacuated slowly and safely.”
Mabaso called on motorists to avoid crossing low-lying bridges and risking their lives and those of people around them.
He also asked those who are finding shelter under bridges to evacuate because those areas are prone to flooding.
Mabaso said that residents should call Tshwane emergency services on 107 for any life-threatening emergency.
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