KwaDukuza municipality lays the blame for broken traffic lights firmly at the door of the provincial transport department (DoT).

Broken traffic lights are at the P445 Ebandla intersection, the N2 Ballito offramp from Durban, the BP intersection across from Ballito Junction, the Ashton International College intersection on the M4, the Salt Rock offramp and at Umhlali Prep on the R102.

KDM said it has been covering the costs for repairs on these provincial roads annually, submitting invoices to the DoT for reimbursement. However, the growing bill remains unpaid.

KDM spokesperson Sphelelo Ngobese said a clear memorandum of understanding (MOU) outlining the responsibilities of each party was required to resolve the issue.

“This has resulted in delays in repairs, regrettably affecting residents. The KZN DoT is finalising the draft MOU for both parties to review and sign. KwaDukuza municipality extends its heartfelt apologies for the inconvenience,” said Ngobese.

However, KDM has committed to doing technical repairs while waiting for the MOU to be finalised and work is expected to begin within the next two weeks.

Responsibility for traffic lights falls outside municipal jurisdiction. National roads, including both sides of the N2 bridge, are managed by the South African National Roads Agency (Sanral), while DoT is responsible for the P445 through Ballito, the M4 and the R102 at Umhlali.

Ward 22 councillor Privi Makhan said the delay was unacceptable and continued to put motorists at risk.

“It is completely unacceptable that an intergovernmental issue is impacting the delivery of a basic service,” she said.

Makhan acknowledged that KwaDukuza’s community safety department has deployed traffic officers during peak hours to ease congestion but stressed that this was merely a temporary measure.

“This does not dilute the fact that the electricity department has failed in providing a safe environment for road users,” she said.

Makhan added that R2-million has already been allocated in the 2025/26 municipal budget for the maintenance and repair of traffic lights and urged that these funds be put to immediate use.

DoT did not respond to requests for comment.

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