Gauteng transport network on alert as heavy rain raises flooding risk
The provincial transport department has placed maintenance and response teams on standby as persistent rain threatens roads, drainage systems and other infrastructure.
Gauteng’s transport network is being closely monitored as persistent heavy rain increases the risk of flooding and weather-related disruptions across the province.
Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela has directed the department and its entities to intensify monitoring of the impact of the weather on transport infrastructure and services.
The province has experienced continuous downpours since the start of the week, with the risk of flooding increasing in some areas.
“The safety of the people of Gauteng remains our priority. We are closely monitoring the transport network and have activated our response mechanisms to deal with weather-related incidents.
“I have directed our teams to respond with urgency and to ensure that infrastructure faults are followed through until they are resolved,” Diale-Tlabela said.
Maintenance and response teams are on standby to deal with flooding, damaged road surfaces, drainage problems and other weather-related hazards.
Motorists have been urged to reduce their speed, drive with caution and increase following distances.
They have also been warned against crossing bridges or flooded roads, which may pose a danger.
“We appeal to motorists to exercise caution and not take unnecessary risks. Where traffic signals or other critical infrastructure are affected, our technical teams are expected to respond as quickly as conditions allow,” Diale-Tlabela said.
Contractors are assessing and carrying out repairs to dysfunctional streetlights along provincial corridors.
The department is also monitoring possible disruptions to Gautrain services resulting from the inclement weather.
“We are aware of the concerns regarding dysfunctional street lighting, including along the R24. Assessments and repairs are underway across the affected corridors. We expect our contractors to deliver on their obligations and will continue to monitor their performance to ensure that the necessary work is undertaken.
“Public transport is essential to the functioning of our province. We are engaging the relevant structures to ensure that weather-related disruptions are managed effectively and that commuters receive timely and accurate information,” she said.
