By Kopano Dibakwane
All road users travelling between Graskop and Bushbuckridge are strongly advised to use the alternative route from Graskop via Sabie to Hazyview until further notice, following the temporary closure of the R533 Road,due to severe damages caused by the ongoing heavy rains.
This route also connects Graskop and Hazyview, and it is used by many by tourists travelling to destination such as the Kruger National Park.
The announcement was made by Mpumalanga MEC for DPWRT(Department of Public Works Roads and Transport), Thulasizwe Thomo following an on-site assessment he conducted alongside Department’s Technical Team and the Executive Mayor of TCLM(Thaba Chweu Local Municipality), Mogotle Friddah Nkadimeng) on Monday.
Thomo said the complete closure of the route is a necessary safety intervention aimed at protecting road users and enabling the Department to address the situation with urgency and without any disturbance.
“The safety of our road users remains our highest priority. Following a thorough assessment of the R533, we took a decisive decision to close the road to prevent potential loss of life and allow our technical teams to work speedily and effectively to restore the road to a safe condition.
“ The Department will continue to monitor the situation closely and will keep the public informed. Road users will be notified once the road is declared safe and reopened for traffic. The Department apologises for the inconvenience caused and appeals to motorists to exercise patience and cooperation,” said Thomo.
