Leribe, Aug. 12 – Mafika Lisiu Pass has been closed since Monday due to heavy snowfall, affecting the movement of vehicles between the lowlands and highlands of Leribe’s Malibamatšo Constituency.
The pass is also used by tourists travelling to Katse Dam and staff working at Polihali.
This was revealed by the Department of Roads Senior Projects Supervisor, Mr Katleho Mafa, in an interview with the Agency on Wednesday.
Mr Mafa said his team went to assess the situation of the road on Tuesday morning to determine whether it could be accessed, but found that it was still unsafe.
He explained that although the snow had melted, black ice had formed on the tarred road due to very low temperatures.
He said the department was spreading salt on the road to speed up the melting of the ice.
Mr Mafa said the team would continue conducting assessments to determine when the road could safely be reopened.
Meanwhile, District Disaster Manager Ms Khopotso appealed to members of the public to refrain from travelling to or from the highlands until weather conditions improve.
She said there had been no reports of people being trapped in the snow so far.
Extreme cold weather is expected to continue throughout the week.
Ends/KC
