A critical local route in Mpumalanga has been abruptly closed after a corrugated metal culvert collapsed, rendering the D2296 road between Karino and Tekwane South unsafe for all traffic. The collapse, which occurred on Sunday, 12 January, has severed the link between these areas and Kanyamazane, forcing a major detour for daily commuters.
The City of Mbombela (CoM) and the Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport have urgently advised motorists travelling between Kanyamazane and Mbombela to use the N4 national route as an alternative until further notice. Department spokesperson Bongani Dhlamini stated that the public should plan journeys accordingly, obey temporary signage, and exercise caution while teams assess the damage and begin repairs.
A Warning Amidst Heavy Rains
The infrastructure failure comes amid ongoing heavy rainfall across the region, which has saturated ground and placed strain on aging drainage systems. CoM spokesperson Joseph Ngala issued a separate warning to residents in low-lying or flood-line areas to remain on high alert.
“If the rain persists, residents must evacuate to higher ground,” Ngala cautioned, advising that sandbags can be used to create barriers at property entrances where water flow is a risk.
The temporary closure underscores the vulnerability of municipal infrastructure during the intense summer storm season. For now, the timeline for repairs remains unclear, leaving motorists dependent on the longer N4 detour. Authorities are expected to construct a temporary bypass to restore some access while permanent repairs to the damaged culvert and road section are undertaken. Commuters are urged to stay updated through official channels and avoid the closed section entirely.
