The R61 road between Mthatha and Port St Johns (PSJ) is temporary closed to heavy duty vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) above 8 tons.
This was confirmed by the spokesperson for OR Tambo District Municipality, Zimkhita Macingwane, stating that this is to avoid further damages to two sections of the lane that collapsed following last week’s heavy rains.
“To ensure motorists’ safety, Eastern Cape Department of Transport and SANRAL have erected barricades and temporary warning signs at the damaged areas near Ntsimbini and Isinuka village in Port St Johns,” she said.
She added that while road maintenance is being attended to, restoring the livelihoods of those affected is prioritised.
Macingwane added that the material for temporary structures had been delivered to PSJ.
“Additional to the damages to infrastructure, the district is saddened by the loss of lives during the disaster.
“Four people have lost their lives, two from Ingquza Hill Local Municipality with another two from King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality. The SAPS divers continue searching for a man from Rhole village in Lusikisiki, who was also reported missing.”
She said the intergovernmental intervention toward rebuilding and rehabilitating PSJ and surrounding areas is ongoing.
