Traffic lights across KwaDukuza will be repaired now that KwaDukuza municipality and the provincial Department of Transport (DoT) have reached a new cost-sharing agreement.

Municipality spokesperson Sifiso Zulu confirmed that this new agreement will replace existing arrangements and is expected to take effect before the end of the year.

“Given that the festive season is upon us and considering its impact on tourism and the importance of road safety, remedial work on traffic lights will not be delayed by negotiations to finalise the memorandum of agreement,” said Zulu.

In the southern region of KwaDukuza, repairs are currently under way at the intersection of the P445 and the access road to eBandla Hotel.

Work will continue at:
• P445 and Moffat Drive near McDonald’s.
• P445 and Douglas Crowe Drive near Ballito Lifestyle Centre.
• P445 and R627 near Ashton College.

In the northern region, work is scheduled for intersections at:
• R74 and R102.
• R74 at KwaDukuza Mall.
• R74 at Dawnside.
• R102 at Darnall.

The estimated cost of the repairs is R536 364.21. The municipality will carry out the work and claim reimbursement from the transport department.

Traffic lights fall under the responsibility of the transport department, but the municipality has long been handling repairs and billing the department for reimbursement. However, Zulu said the municipality had for years fulfilled its obligations without receiving compensation, resulting in mounting costs with no prospect of recovery.

Ward 22 councillor Privi Makhan, who has campaigned for the repairs alongside Ward 30 councillor Jack Abrahams, welcomed the development.

“The long-awaited repairs at eight strategic intersections will finally commence. While this is a positive step for traffic safety, officials must ensure the memorandum of understanding between KDM and the DoT is fast-tracked. Without it, we risk facing the same issues in future. Residents deserve reliable infrastructure and coordinated action,” she said.

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