School Holiday Travel Advisory for Western Cape Amid Disruptions from Recent Floods

In response to the disruptions caused by recent floods, Anton Bredell, the MEC of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in the Western Cape, has issued an appeal to all holidaymakers to meticulously plan their travels. Persistent road closures are a result of the severe flooding which has necessitated strict travel outlines.

During a briefing on the situation, the need for vigilance in travel planning was stressed by Bredell. Some roads remain unaccessible, while others are constricted with only limited access lanes or are subjected to stop-go regulations. These include the N1 in De Doorns currently undergoing stop-go measures, expected to last for at least three months.

The situation is rapidly developing, and holidaymakers are urged to keep abreast of the latest information and accessible routes.

Simultaneously, Hermanus is tackling an issue with water supply, enacted when flood damage impeded infrastructure. Emergency service units are supplying water to affected communities via trucks and tankers. Visitors to the region are asked to bear the essentials considering this constraint, including bringing their own water supply and an additional amount, if possible, to aid the local populace.

The statistics from the City of Cape Town reveal that the heavy downpours have affected 21,011 individuals and 6,906 infrastructure units. Subsequently, aid is being dispatched to rural communities gripped by isolation due to compromised road conditions, with farm workers in Breede River Municipality receiving special attention.

Regarding schooling facilities, Bredell confirmed that out of the originally 39 closed schools, only 16 remain shut. This swift achievement in recovery has allowed schools to safely reopen amidst close cooperation between officials, school administrators, and parents.

The MEC expressed gratitude to Eskom for their ceaseless work in amending power supply faults and repairing damaged infrastructure caused, in part, by the severe weather. David Maynier, the Western Cape Provincial Minister of Education, echoed these sentiments.

Several NGOs, including the SA Red Cross Society, have provided significant relief, aiding around 186 families and 741 individuals in small towns and farms.