Meiringspoort storm damage assessment
On 18 June 2026, Minister Simmers and staff from the Department of Infrastructure conducted an oversight visit to Meiringspoort to assess the extent of the damage caused by the recent severe flooding. The images tell a powerful story. Significant sections of the road have been washed away, bridge structures have sustained extensive damage, and large volumes of debris and sand have been deposited throughout the poort.
"While the route remains closed to all traffic, I want to assure residents, businesses, tourism operators and road users that our engineers and technical teams are working urgently to complete the necessary assessments and determine the safest and fastest route to reopening," says Minister Simmers. "The damage is substantial, but so too is our commitment to restoring this critical connection between the Garden Route and the Klein Karoo."
Minister Simmers thanked officials, engineers, contractors, emergency services, municipalities and all stakeholders who continue to work under difficult conditions to assess damage, clear debris and plan recovery interventions.
Thank you to all road users for your patience, understanding and cooperation.
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