Pleas to fix impassable road fall on deaf ears
FOR the past two years, residents in Hlawini area have risked their lives using a highly hazardous road that has been repeatedly damaged by inclement weather.
uMfolozi Municipality Mayor Xolani Bhengu led a delegation of municipal officials to inspect the L622 after it was again washed away by Tuesday's rains.
The road, which falls in the area of the kwaSokhulu Tribal Authority, requires urgent intervention as it's used by public transport for residents and schoolchildren.
“I am very disappointed about this current situation,” said Bhengu.
“I can confirm I have had several interactions with the Department of Transport [DoT] asking them to intervene. Its current state poses a huge risk.”
Ward Councillor Mpumalanga Khumalo-Cele said despite the big sinkhole, which was caused by the current persistent inclement weather, the entire L622 is in a state of disrepair and she has done all in her power to have it fixed.
“I have tried everything to get the DoT to assist the community.
“Last year, residents organised themselves and picketed against me as a councillor and I arranged a meeting with the department so people could see my efforts for themselves,” said Khumalo-Cele.
“I can confirm that I have had several interactions with the department, asking them to intervene because this is the main road used by public transport taking the public to work and school, however, its current state poses a huge risk,” said Bhengu.
Mhlongo, a local Nduna, said the lack of a usable road was an infringement on the right to freedom of movement, and urged the government to explore alternative ways for the Hlawini community to move freely.
A response from the DoT was not forthcoming at the time of going to print.