JUST a week after officials from the KZN Department of Transport (DoT) met with residents and daily commuters along the Inanda Road corridor between Brackenhill/Inanda Road and Molweni, another tragedy occurred – this time claiming three lives.

One person was declared dead on scene while the other two people died in hospital, days apart.

For years, Inanda Road has been a major safety concern for motorists and pedestrians. Daily commuters face hazardous conditions caused by potholes, flood damage, inadequate lighting, and poor visibility at critical points. These issues have contributed to numerous accidents and fatalities.

Also read: Man killed in Inanda Road head-on collision

In response, residents recently drafted a petition calling for urgent, long-term interventions to restore safety and dignity to this vital transport link connecting Crestholme, Waterfall, and Molweni.

Residents emphasised that upgrades are essential, as Inanda Road remains the primary access route for thousands of residents, workers, learners, and service vehicles in Crestholme, Waterfall 3, and Molweni.

“The alternative route via ‘The Splash’ is narrow, flood-prone, and equally unsafe, further emphasising the urgent need for a permanent solution,” the petition notes.

In June, the petition with 5700 signatures was handed over by Bruce Henderson, chairperson of the Upper Highway Ratepayers and Residents Association, to ANC councillor Siyabonga Nala to escalate to the MEC’s office.

Described as a ‘Death Trap’

Despite the petitions, meetings, and months of pleas to the DoT, residents, the Molweni-Wyebank Taxi Association, and the Upper Highway Ratepayers and Residents Association said Inanda Road remains a ‘death trap’.

On Sunday, another fatal crash occurred when two vehicles collided head-on.

ALS Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson said paramedics arrived to scenes of “carnage” and called on the eThekwini Fire Department for assistance.

“One male believed to be in his forties had sustained fatal injuries and unfortunately there was nothing paramedics could do for him, and he was declared deceased on the scene,” said Jamieson.

What the petition calls for

The petition from residents, commuters, the taxi association, and the ratepayers’ association calls on the DoT in partnership with municipal and provincial authorities to:

– Fully rehabilitate and resurface Inanda Road from Nkutu Road to Molweni

– Repair and reinstate proper drainage systems to prevent flooding and erosion

– Create safe drop-off/pick-up zones for taxis and public transport

– Install reflective road studs (cat’s eyes) to highlight blind corners and high-risk zones

– Install clear and consistent speed limit signage, with reductions to 40–60 km/h in accident-prone areas

– Construct rumble strips, particularly near Crinkly Bottom

– Reinstate and expand street lighting along dark, dangerous stretches

– Install sun-blocking shields and warning signage at blind spots where glare contributes to collisions

– Establish a dedicated safety and maintenance budget for continuous upkeep

– Develop a long-term maintenance and monitoring programme for road safety

Reading out the community’s grievances, Upper Highway Ratepayers and Residents Association deputy chairperson Sarah Larriva said these interventions are essential to saving lives.

Department of Transport Responds

DoT officials who met with the community on November 7 on behalf of MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma acknowledged the request for rehabilitation and said the project would be prioritised.

The meeting was chaired by ward councillor Siyabonga Nala, who also noted that reckless driving contributes significantly to the high number of crashes along the route.

However, the department said there is a province-wide backlog and a limited budget.

Officials reported that several major rehabilitation projects in the region are underway, including a R360m project in Ward 9, R86m in Ward 103, more than R50m in Ward 15 and upgrades near Shongweni, including Kassier Road, through a partnership with eThekwini Municipality

“These projects reflect the Department’s ongoing investment in improving provincial road networks,” the officials said.

Regarding reflective road studs, the department said implementation will fall under a three-year maintenance contract beginning January 2026, which also covers road markings and signage for improved night visibility.

On the request for a dedicated safety budget, the department cited provincial budget constraints but said available funds would be prioritised for safety improvements across the district. The upcoming three-year contract will also allow flexibility to address immediate hazards.

Residents call for accountability

While residents welcomed the responses, they called for improved communication, transparency, and accountability from the Department.

The Upper Highway Ratepayers and Residents Association extended condolences to the families of the people who lost their lives.

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