A guesthouse and a wine farm are among a few businesses situated on a gravel off-road next to Keerweder Road in Paarl that had to shut their doors temporarily for a few weeks after sections of the off-road were washed away last month during the stormy weather that had caused heavy flooding.
According to Kim Kolb, owner of Mountain Shadows guesthouse, these businesses were unable to operate because sections of the road that lead to the businesses were completely washed away. She said she had to cancel most of the bookings that were made at the guesthouse for the June/July holidays.
Kolb said she had contacted the Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM) as well as the Drakenstein Municipality to restore the road.
“When the road collapsed as a result of the flooding the water pipes collapsed as well. As a result the water was also shut down. The Cape Winelands Municipality brought some gravel to fill up the roads.”
Jo-Anne Otto, communications officer for CWDM, has since confirmed the district municipality’s roads division was aware of the flood damage that occurred after the heavy rains experienced in June this year.
“The damage took place as floodwater bypassed the existing stream and ran along the road, causing erosion and washing away of the gravel layer,” she said. “As previously stated, the roads teams can only work on the road when conditions allow; with the continued rain, repairs could only commence on 23 June.
“One-way traffic was restored on 6 July after the filling-up of dongas and providing traction with gravel. The stormwater pipes were also damaged and had to be realigned.
Kolb said she and neighbouring businesses were able to reopen last Friday (7 July). “The water at the guesthouse has been restored as well and is perfectly fine. I can confirm some of the neighbouring farms are still without water, but that will be sorted out soon.”
Otto further added that some areas of the road and the ground along the border are still very wet and damp, which is hampering the placing of the gravel layer.
“The roads teams are working as fast as they can to get to all the roads that require attention after the floods and extend our thanks to the public for their understanding and cooperation.”
Philip Pansegrouw, Drakenstein Municipality’s Acting Executive Director of Engineering Services, said the damaged road in question fell under the Cape Winelands District Municipality or private property.
“Drakenstein Municipality has not sustained damage to its infrastructure or water network in this area due to the recent flooding. The municipality does not provide a drinking-water tanker service, but makes water available at R28,35 per 1 000 litres. Owners are asked to collect the water from the municipality’s water services depot in Distillery Street, Paarl, and transport it to their properties. The amount is payable in advance and the invoice is available at the municipal office on the corner of Main and Market Street, Paarl.”
