Transport department shuts doors to structurally defunct Salt Rock licensing offices

Salt Rock ward councillor, Privi Makhan said the offices had been plagued by issues for some years, declining into a now structurally defunct building.

She added that erratic network issues and the lack of service at the offices had worsened over the last 2 years.

“The iLembe Democratic Alliance had been lobbying for a conducive working environment and an acceptable level of service to our communities, of which our recommendations were accepted by the appointed portfolio committee,” said Makhan.

Makhan questioned whether plans to repair the Salt Rock Licensing Office were underway, owing to a budget allocation of R1.5-million being rolled over to the 2021-22 financial year.

KwaDukuza municipality (KDM) spokesperson, Sipho Mkhize said KDM hoped to see the service resume in about a month and a half at Ballito, in Nokukhanya Luthuli House.

“Staff employed to work at the Salt Rock offices would be moved to the KwaDukuza driving licence testing centre (DLTC),” said Mkhize.

Mkhize said they had not been given warning of the closure in order to properly notify the community, as the transport department had issued them with the notice on Monday, September 20.

Department of Transport spokesperson, Nomfundo Zulu said that recent heavy rains had further worsened the state of the building, leaving them no choice but to close it.

The KwaDukuza DLTC is the only operational office at present.