Motorists are urged to adhere to alerts and follow directions to alternate routes.

Safety precautions:

• Avoid traveling to affected areas unless absolutely necessary.
• Follow all traffic instructions and signage.
• Be cautious of fallen trees, power lines, and flooded areas.

Emergency contacts:

• 112
• 087 348 4509

“Prioritise your safety and the safety of others. We will provide updates as the situation evolves,” said Sipho Towa, Free State Chairperson: Road Incident Management System.

Meanwhile, Riverstone Mall in Meyerton may delay its official opening by two weeks to give tenants time to restock following flood damage.

On Monday (17/3), professional teams evaluated the damage after heavy rainfall on Sunday night led to flooding. While the mall’s structural integrity and engineering remained unaffected, cardboard containers on the ground sustained damage.

The Riverstone Mall may not open on 27 March as planned. Picture supplied

Reports indicate that 54mm of rain fell within an hour on Sunday (16/3), triggering the flooding. The mall, originally set to open on Thursday, 27 March, now faces potential delays.

Checkers Fresh-X, Woolworths Food, and Dis-Chem are the mall’s anchor stores, while Clicks, Truworths, Mr Price, and the Pepkor group are among the other tenants. The mall features two drive-thru restaurants, a food court, and more than a thousand parking spaces.

“The construction of the mall is complete,” said Pretorius. “We are very excited to reach this important milestone.”

Midvaal Mayor Peter Teixeira said the mall is one of their top priorities to attract investment and grow the local economy.

OFM News cg/mc