Temporary bridge washed away

Temporary bridge washed away

The temporary vehicle bridge across the Sand River washed away just before 1pm on July 25 following heavy rains.

A section of the pedestrian walkway, next to the bridge, was also damaged at the time.

Kouga Executive Mayor Booi Koerat said the municipality and NSRI had closed the gap with a walkway of steel, planks and rope,  so that pedestrians could still cross.

“Officials will be on site all night to help people across,” he said.

He said the municipality has also been in contact with the Department of Public Works.

“They have undertaken to rebuild a vehicle crossing as soon as the water subsides.”

The following roads have been closed:

·         The Oyster Bay road to both Humansdorp and St Francis Bay,

·         The R330 at Weston just before Hankey  (this means motorists cannot get to Hankey from Humansdorp),

·         Johan Muller Boulevard in Paradise Beach

·         The Apiesdraai section of the Aston Bay road

·         The causeway to Paradise Beach is still open but it's being monitored.

The Exeuctive Mayor said the roads had taken a severe beating because of the heavy rains since May.

“We ask motorists to drive carefully and to be on the look out, especially for potholes that have filled with water as it is easy to misjudge their width and depth.

“Weather-dependent, the municipality will continue fixing potholes tomorrow. It's been an ongoing process since May).”

He said houses and shacks have flooded, especially at Oyster Bay (Umzamowethu) and Humansdorp (7de Laan, Donkerhoek and the Old Golf Course).

“Councillors and housing officials are monitoring the situation. Thus far, no one has chosen to be relocated, however.”