Officials pave way forward for M7 construction

LOCAL councillors met with officials from the eThekwini Municipality to uncover the delays behind the M7 construction work that has been an endless cause of frustration for motorists.

Since the previous article ‘Councillors demand answers for M7 work stoppage’, published on page 3 of the Queensburgh News on September 24, councillors, Samantha Windvogel (Ward 65), Gavin Hegter (Ward 64) and the eThekwini Exco/DA Caucus leader, Nicole Graham, met with the project managers of the Edwin Swales/Solomon Mahlangu (M7) upgrades.

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This road has been a nightmare for motorists and pedestrians for almost a year, with no visible progress. The councillors intervened after they received requests for help from the community.

According to Windvogel, the project has been stalled for an extended period due to water leaks, contractual issues and delays at a municipal level.

“We were told by the project management team that the contract extension should be sorted this month and the repairs completed within the next few months. There is also a future plan to narrow the median and widen the road in the Western section, from Sarnia Road to the intersection,” said Windvogel.

The councillors welcomed the officials’ plans and reiterated the urgency and need for the construction work to be completed.

“We have impressed upon the officials how critical this issue is and how much chaos it is causing local residents and businesses. They have committed to regular updates and trying to get this inconvenience sorted as soon as possible,” added Windvogel.

An official, whose name is known to the publication, wrote to the Ward 65 councillor and detailed the plans for the M7 construction.

“The Solomon Mahlangu Drive (M7) widening project will entail widening the M7 carriageways by an additional lane in both directions (eastbound and westbound). Construction will start from the N2/M7 interchange till Wakesleigh Road/Vusi Mzimela Road intersection,” said the official.

The official noted that construction work would commence in early November this year and the duration of the contract is 24 months. The upgrade includes a concrete barrier, constructed along the median, to separate the carriageways. LED mast-type street lighting is also included as part of the work.

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