STELLALANDER-VRYBURG: Persistent heavy rains have left several major routes across the North West Province partially submerged, causing traffic disruptions and prompting warnings for motorists to remain vigilant.
The affected routes include the R24 between Rustenburg and Magaliesburg, the N12 between Klerksdorp and Stilfontein, and the N18 outside Mahikeng towards Vryburg near Uplands. While no major incidents have been reported, authorities are urging drivers to exercise caution on the R30 between Klerksdorp and Ventersdorp, as well as the stretch between Derby and Ventersdorp. Several roads that have experienced flooding in the past remain areas of concern. These include the R503 near Hartbeesfontein, the N4 near Dinokana, the N14 between Sannieshof and Delareyville, and parts of the R52 between Koster and Lichtenburg, as well as between Koster and Rustenburg.
Traffic officers from the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management have been deployed to assist motorists and monitor problem areas. On heavily affected routes such as the N18 outside Mahikeng, a stop-and-go system has been implemented to manage the flow of traffic. MEC Sempe Elizabeth Mokua, along with Head of Department Moses Kgantsi and officials from the department, conducted an oversight visit to the N18 site. The heavy rains have damaged the stormwater channel and caused erosion on one lane of the road. The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL), responsible for maintaining the route, has since deployed a contractor to redirect water off the roadway and maintain the stop-and-go system as a short-term safety measure. Motorists are advised to stay alert, follow instructions from traffic officials, and avoid flooded areas where possible as wet conditions persist across the province.
