Eastern Cape
R63 Closed Between Alice and Fort Beaufort Amid Water Protest
Motorists travelling between Alice and Fort Beaufort are advised to seek alternative routes after the R63 was temporarily closed due to a service delivery protest linked to ongoing water outages.
Authorities confirmed that the affected stretch of road is the R63 between Dikeni (Alice) and KwaMaqoma (Fort Beaufort). The protest has disrupted traffic flow in the area, with road users unable to pass through the affected section.
In addition to the closure of the R63, several internal access routes within KwaMaqoma have also been blocked. This includes the Cape College road along Grey Street, which is currently inaccessible. The blockages have significantly impacted traffic movement and access to certain residential and institutional areas.
The protest is reportedly related to persistent water supply challenges affecting parts of the community. Residents have raised concerns over ongoing outages, prompting the current action.
Motorists are urged to:
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Avoid using the R63 between Alice and Fort Beaufort until further notice.
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Make use of alternative routes where possible.
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Exercise caution when travelling in and around the affected areas.
Law enforcement agencies are on the scene monitoring the situation. No reports of injuries or damage have been confirmed at this stage.
Road users are encouraged to stay updated through official communication channels, as further information will be shared once the situation develops or the road is reopened.
Residents and commuters are advised to plan accordingly to avoid delays.
