Robin Carlisle, Minister for Transport and Public Works in the Western Cape has announced a two week closure for Chapman’s Peak drive.
'There are 50 to 60 tons of loose rocks above the Noordhoek side of the road. Our engineers have informed me that they will have to remove the fencing, protect the pass with tyres and then trigger a rockfall.
'The risk area is in a gulley leading down to the road and this closure became necessary yesterday at 13h30 after one of the falling rocks jumped the catch-fence.
'Safety of locals and tourists must be our first priority. It is also important to note that this is the first time in over a year that we have had to close the pass for more than a few hours due to fire (26 December, for example), high winds or other environmental reasons.
'This is the winter period and the pass operator Entilini will have to close the road for intermittent periods due to high risk weather, or any other resultant risk factors.
'Due to the urgency Entilini has assured us that they will work over the weekend so that no time is wasted in preparing road for regular use.’
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