THE KZN Department of Human Settlements has announced that 170 rooms are available at the newly acquired Montclair Lodge for families displaced by severe weather.

This is according to a statement released by the Department of Transport and Human Settlements today (July 28).

The emergency accommodation forms part of the province’s disaster response as a cut-off low pressure system is expected to bring heavy rain, flooding and snow to parts of the province.

Also read: eThekwini responds to Clairwood flood victims’ concerns

MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma said the emergency accommodation forms part of a broader disaster response plan, with transport teams also on standby to clear snow from roads before it accumulates beyond 30cm and to co-ordinate road closures in high-risk areas.  

Speaking on Tuesday, Duma said the department, working with the eThekwini Municipality, had prepared the lodge to provide temporary shelter for families who might be displaced by possible floods.

“We have made more than 170 rooms available at our newly acquired Montclair Lodge. We will accommodate families that may be left destitute,” he said.

The announcement follows an updated weather report from the South African Weather Service warning of severe weather conditions triggered by a cut-off low pressure system.

On the transport front, Duma said road maintenance teams have activated the province’s standard snowfall response plan. Graders, supported by Road Traffic Inspectorate teams, will clear snow from roads before it accumulates beyond 30cm to keep key routes open and safe for motorists.

RTI officers will also co-ordinate road closures where necessary to prevent vehicles from becoming trapped in snow-prone areas, including the N3 around Ladysmith, Kokstand, Underberg, Harding, Newcastle, the N11, Pietermaritzburg and the N2.

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