The uMngeni Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal has established a disaster center at the Howick Sport Club on Market Street in Howick to assist vehicles stuck in the snow. Saws has issued a Level 8 warning for additional disruptive snowfall.
Motorists have been detained in frigid weather since Friday.
On Saturday, uMngeni Mayor Chris Pappas said that the centre will serve hot meals and drinks, as well as give temporary shelter and blankets.
“Anyone who is stuck in the Midlands and can get to the centre will be aided. “Teams will also begin providing relief to those who are unable to exit their vehicles on the N3,” Pappas stated.
The snowfall has closed several highways along the N3 Toll Route, which runs from Estcourt in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands to Harrismith in the Free State.
More on this Pictures: KZN police have deployed to provide food and warm clothing to motorists caught in snow.
Multiple routes closed as vehicles are stuck in snow in KwaZulu-Natal and Free State.
Motorists trapped on the N3, without food or water.
The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) stated that several efforts have begun to have results, with some stranded motorists already receiving 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,” according to a statement from Cogta.
Heavy snow has disrupted critical services, including as water and power, in several areas, and technical teams have been despatched to restore them.
Earlier, MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma stated that he was on his way to Howick with his Road Traffic Inspectorate team to provide additional 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 told the crowd.
The South African Weather Service (Saws) has issued a Level 8 warning for additional disruptive snow in 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.
