Severe flooding in the Northern Cape has cut off the N7, South Africa’s westernmost road into Namibia, including various other road closures, the SA National Road Agency (Sanral) has said in a statement.
Sanral said it can confirm that the N7 section 8, approximately 10 km before Vioolsdrift (area known as Vyf Myl Poort) is closed due to flooding.
“A portion of the N7 has already been severely damaged and the water levels continue to rise. It is likely that more damage will occur and the N7 will be closed for a period of time to effect necessary repairs once the water levels have receded.”
As a result of the flooding, South Africa’s Vioolsdrift border with Namibia is inaccessible.
Further south the N7 remains open to traffic.
“Road users travelling to Namibia can access the country at the Alexander Bay border, via the Steinkopf intersection (N7) towards Port Nolloth on the R382,” Sanral said.
“Our Routine Road Maintenance (RRM) and all Emergency Services are on hand, monitoring the situation and responding in accordance with the level of urgency.
“They will be closing roads where it becomes unsafe to travel and where possible, will sign-post the alternative routes,” said Randall Cable, western region manager for Sanral.
“Sanral appeals to road users to be on high alert, reduce speed and if at all possible, avoid travelling in those areas, as further rain and adverse weather is expected.”
“We will keep road users updated as the situation changes,” said Cable.
Truckers and motorists heading in and out of Namibia should also consider using the Ariamsvlei-Nakop border west of Upington.
