TheDepartment of Transport in the Eastern Cape is still appealing to drivers to use routes other than the R61, since the small bridge/culvert near Tsomo junction between Ngcobo and Cofimvaba has not yet been repaired.
This was confirmed by the spokesperson for the Department of Transport, Unathi Binqose, who stated that the damage was caused by the persistent rains which fell in the Eastern Cape recently.
Binqose confirmed that the upkeep of this road had fallen under the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) since 2012.
“I can confirm that we are having a meeting with them to get an update about their arrangements to fix this problem. After the meeting, we will update you,” said Binqose.
He stated that the road had been cordoned off and drivers were urged to use alternative routes.
“These are the routes that should be used for now: vehicles from Cofimvaba should take junction 40 to Tsomo then use the gravel Xuma road straight from eMahlubini to Ngcobo. Vehicles from Komani to Mthatha or Ngcobo could use the Cala route.”
