Trucking issues need urgent intervention
URGENT action must be taken to address and accommodate the influx of trucks which have in recent months caused major congestion on the city’s roads – posing a grave danger to motorists.
This was raised by uMhlathuze Mayor Xolani Ngwezi during the reopening of the Richards Bay Airport on Monday, where he urged city and port officials, as well as other stakeholders to find long-term solutions.
“We will always, as this government, make sure we get systems right for the growth of this city and our economy, which means we must find a solution to the increasing number of trucks in this city.
“We are aware that receiving more trucks signifies an active economy but then the safety of other road users is at risk,” said Ngwezi.
He made mention of the recent fatal crash involving a truck, claiming the lives of 20 people, mostly children, near Pongola.
“I do not want to see that happening here in the city, so it is important that we quickly find solutions and be proactive to save lives. I know there is some work that has been done but we can still do more – addressing this issue is urgent,” said the mayor.
While he could not divulge specific plans to address the trucking issues, Ngwezi said they are engaging the port, business community and relevant stakeholders to ensure the matter is resolved.
“Another critical stakeholder which we are working to bring into this discussion is the national Department of Transport because part of addressing these challenges is to have a functioning rail system.
“We do understand that there is the issue of vandalism and cable theft which impacts the running of trains but we must put our heads together if we are to reduce the number of trucks on our roads.
“This includes bringing Amakhosi into the fold to petition communities to protect critical infrastructure,” he said.
Part of the proposed interventions has been availing land that will serve as a truck-stop where heavy vehicles will be accommodated to avoid queuing on the John Ross highway.
"It is our duty as stakeholders to find a permanent solution to not only protect lives but to protect our road infrastructure – there has already been extensive damage to the road through Alton, for which we have budgeted about R5-million to reseal.
“We do not want to see the same damage occurring on the John Ross because it is a link between Richards Bay, Empangeni and the N2,” said Ngwezi.