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