PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Tensions flared in Kwanokuthula on Friday 8 May as frustrated residents threatened to shut down the N2 following severe flooding that saw water from a nearby dam overflowing into homes along Cuba Street.
The South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) and Bitou Municipality have since been working to stabilise the area.
Sanral announced that the installation of new underground drainage pipes and lines was expected to be completed on Tuesday 12 May, with the road set to be reopened afterwards. At the time of going to press, Andile Namntu,
Bitou Municipality Communications Manager said that Sanral is still on site working on a lasting solution to the problem. "As it stands the road is open for traffic. We would like to thank residents for their continued patience throughout the time," he said.
Further updates will be provided soon. Bitou Municipality confirmed on Friday evening that some residents had mobilised in protest as emergency teams raced to contain the flooding situation and prevent further damage to the affected properties.
According to the municipality, the flooding was caused by water overflowing from the dam into surrounding residential areas after days of severe weather conditions across the region.
The residents reported water entering homes and yards, prompting fears for safety and growing frustration over the impact on the community.
In response, Bitou Municipality and Sanral deployed eight honey suckers and suction generators to pump water out of the affected area. Municipal officials said the equipment was expected to arrive within an hour of the initial announcement on Friday evening.
The authorities warned motorists that the emergency operations would disrupt traffic flow along the busy N2 corridor. Drivers were urged to exercise caution, follow instructions from traffic officials, and to make use of alternative routes where possible.
“To ensure that the pumping of water out of the dam in Kwanokuthula is carried out safely and efficiently, Bitou Traffic Services will divert traffic via Kwanokuthula,” the municipality said in a statement issued at 17:15 on Friday.
The officials added that the diversion route through Kwanokuthula would be shorter than the airport road alternative, and appealed to road users to co-operate with the traffic officers stationed in the area.
The situation escalated further on Saturday 9 May when Sanral announced that the N2 would be closed from 18:00 until 06:00 the following morning to allow continued pumping operations at the dam site.
Traffic was rerouted through Kwanokuthula overnight, mirroring the temporary traffic arrangements implemented the previous evening. Bitou Municipality and provincial traffic officials were deployed along the route to manage congestion and assist motorists.
Emergency services continued working throughout the weekend to stabilise the area and support the affected residents as concerns within the community remained high.
Municipal officials also appealed for calm amid the unrest, saying every effort was being made to address the flooding as quickly and safely as possible.
The severe weather conditions have placed additional pressure on infrastructure across the Garden Route. Local authorities are monitoring flood-prone areas and urging residents to remain alert as clean-up and recovery operations continue.
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
