Online Reporter
The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety has urged motorists and pedestrians to avoid crossing flooded roads and low-lying bridges following reports of drowning incidents in parts of the Mopani and Vhembe districts.
The department said persistent heavy rainfall had caused flooding in several areas, rendering some roads unsafe and increasing the risk of fatal accidents.
MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Violet Mathye, said the province was deeply concerned about the reported loss of lives linked to people attempting to cross flooded streams, rivers and bridges.
“We are deeply concerned about the loss of lives reported in Mopani and Vhembe. We urge motorists and pedestrians to refrain from crossing flooded roads and low-lying bridges. No destination is worth a human life. Floodwaters are unpredictable and can easily sweep away both people and vehicles,” Mathye said.
She called on communities to cooperate with traffic officers, law enforcement agencies and disaster management teams deployed across the province to monitor road conditions and assist where needed.
The department advised road users to avoid crossing flooded roads even if the water appears shallow, obey road closure signs and instructions from traffic officials, use alternative routes where possible, and reduce speed during wet and rainy conditions. − IOL.
