About 230 roads were opened in the Western Cape, following last week’s heavy rains.
The Western Cape Department of Roads said in a statement “when severe storms struck the Western Cape, our immediate priority was simple – protect lives and restore access.”
Tertius Simmers, MEC of Public Works in the Western Cape, said some work to reconnect affected communities was completed, “Roads, bridges and critical transport routes were assessed and reopened where it was safe to do so.”
He also said debris, rockfalls and fallen trees were cleared.
But 19 priority emergency recovery projects identified across the provincial road network, must still be done.
Some of the largest recovery projects include the Meiringspoort – estimated at R421 million, Uitkyk Pass – R75 million, Uniondale (MR401) – R70 million, Bonnievale Steel Bridge – R60 million, Worcester (DR1400) – R60 million, and work at the McGregor Bridge.
He also said work will be prioritised according to critical economic routes, roads with limited alternative access and high-volume transport corridors.
Picture: Supplied