Road closure 'a disaster'
2006-08-29 08:47
Tisha Steyn
George - There was great concern about the effect the closure of the busy N2
Kaaimans Pass could have on the Western Cape economy.
The pass along the main route between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth was
closed after cracks were noticed in the road, which was supported by pillars.
The cracks indicated that the mountain slope below the N2 at Dolphin's Point
was moving towards the sea at a rate of 2mm an hour.
About 4 000 vehicles that use the road daily, now have to make use of
alternative routes.
Vehicles of less than five tons and local residents use the Saasveld road,
which is closed at night for essential repair work.
Financial disaster
Heavy vehicles such as trucks transporting timber, fuel and building
materials have to use the Langkloof Road over Joubertina and Kareedouw.
"I'm deeply concerned about the influence the closure of the pass will have
on the economy of the region," said Johan Gelderbloem, ANC-LPP for Knysna,
on Monday.
"It is essential that national and provincial governments immediately do
everything in their power to improve the situation," he said.
"This can cause a financial disaster in the whole region." All sectors were
affected - the timber industry, the building industry, tourism and the hotel
industry, he said.
"Day labourers can also not get to work."
"In short, an urgent call is made to government to make available the
necessary funds for the creation of an alternative route."
Gerhard Otto, chief of disaster management of the Eden district
municipality, explained on Monday night that no alternative routes existed.
"The best we can do under the circumstances is to monitor the Saasveld road
to prevent further deterioration."
By Monday evening, the surface of the N2 at the crack that had appeared on
Saturday had dropped by about a metre and the railway tracks on the eastern
side of the train bridge over the Kaaimans River at the bottom of the slope
had moved 15cm towards the sea.
"The fissure is an indication of how much the mountain side has already
moved. The mountain is definitely moving downwards and it will take the
guest house and road with it," Otto said on Monday.
"Only when the movement has stopped, we will be able to tell the extent of
the damage and determine the future of the pass."
"Only emergency vehicles may enter the pass and then only with a permit
issued by us."
Meanwhile the Saasveld road was groaning under the increased traffic. The
shoulders were being worn off and there were many potholes.
"The road is dangerous and motorists are warned to drive slowly and not to
overtake," Otto warned.
Delays of 45 minutes on average occurred as there was only a single lane
available which allowed traffic to move in only one direction. During peak
hours motorists could expect to wait up to three hours.
This resulted in many people turning up late for work on Monday. Employees
at many companies and banks, pupils living in Wilderness but attending
school in George, and lawyers arrived late at their destinations.
- Die Burger