Authorities in flooded areas have warned residents trying to take short cuts, to heed to road markers or face consequences.
First Alan Winde, the Premier of the Western Cape, shared a picture of a cyclist, ignoring warning signage, traversing a dangerous riverbed surrounded by unstable segments of a crumbled road.
Winde took to social media warning “using a closed road with clearly marked warning barriers is irresponsible, unsafe and may result in substantial fines. It doesn’t matter if you’re hiking, running, walking, cycling or driving, a closed road is a closed road.”
He added “I am calling on every single Western Cape resident to follow instructions from officials and adhere to all warning signage.”
Then Fufe Makatong, MEC for Roads and Public Works, in the Northern Cape, warned motorists and truck drivers would be fined heftily if they pass through flooded or damaged roads.
This follows reports of illegal crossings and toll collections near the flood-damaged Cardington Bridge on Road MR948 in the JTG District.
“The road remains closed for public safety after severe flood damage caused the collapse of the bridge” said Makatong.
Motorists are urged not to make payments or use unauthorised by-passes, as these routes are dangerous.
Motorists are urged to use an alternative route via Ditshipeng, Bothithong, Dithakong, through Heiso to the N14.
Picture: Supplied