uMngeni municipality sets up emergency centre for motorists stranded in snow, as Saws issues Level 8 warning for KZN

On Saturday, uMngeni Mayor, Chris Pappas said the centre will be serving hot meals and hot drinks as well as provide temporary shelter and blankets.

“Any person stuck in the Midlands area who can get to the centre will be assisted. Teams will also start brining relief to those who cannot get out of their vehicles on the N3,” said Pappas.

The snowfall has led to a closure of several roads along the N3 Toll Route from Estcourt in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands to Harrismith in the Free State.

The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) said multiple interventions have begun to yield results as some stranded motorists have already received support in the form of soup kitchens, shelter, and blankets.

“Local municipalities, in conjunction with other state organs, have mobilised graders to clear snow in affected regions, prioritising major routes to facilitate emergency access,” Cogta said in a statement.

The heavy snow has disrupted essential services, including water and electricity, in several communities and technical teams have been dispatched to restore services.

Earlier, MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma said he was on his way to Howick with his team from the Road Traffic Inspectorate to offer more assistance to motorists.

“We are encouraged by the hard work and partnership between private and public emergency rescue services, who are assisting stranded motorists on various routes affected by the snow,” Duma said.

The South African Weather Service (Saws), issued a Level 8 warning for further disruptive snow is in effect for Alfred Duma, Ladysmith, Dr N. Dlamini-Zuma – Underberg, Greater Kokstad, Impendle, Inkosi Langalibalele Escourt, Inkosi Langalibalele Sobabili, Mpofana Giants Castle, Mpofana Mooi River, Okhahlamba and uMngeni.