Ballito Junction traffic jams expected

Ballito residents can expect jam-packed roads when shoppers stream in to get a first look of the new Ballito Junction Regional mall next Thursday.

Umhlali police spokesperson, warrant officer Vinny Pillay said the police together with KwaDukuza municipality (KDM) traffic control have already started working on a plan of action for the opening on March 23 leading into the weekend.

With opening specials at Game, The Hub and Checkers, among many others, it is expected to be a busy time.

“Umhlali SAPS have made arrangements with the Ilembe cluster to see which other police stations in the region are willing to be on site. We would like to have about 50 police officers with cars.

“We are expecting about 5 000 cars. The mall can cater for 3 500. This could mean that cars will be parked at other places and people will walk to the Junction.

We are expecting a possible problem at Wakenshaw Estate because people may go down that road and claim to live there just so that they can get into the mall.”

To ensure smooth sailing on the day, Ballito Junction CEO Geraldine Jorgenson said the mall management were working closely with the authorities.

“Parking management planning for the opening day has been devised in consultation with SAPS, various KwaDukuza council departments and the parking and management teams at Ballito Junction Regional Mall.

“Motorists will be assisted on the main thoroughfares and intersections leading to the mall. Internally shoppers will be assisted by additional parking management staff in accessing and exiting the parking levels within the centre,” she said.

Already, a disgruntled resident from Wakenshaw Estate on Ballito Drive has accused the mall of disrupting and endangering his life during his daily commute from the estate.

Johan Muller said the mall’s delivery and building trucks have been blocking their access to the road for about a week.

“It is an absolute mission to get in and out at all times of the day. Since last week, delivery trucks have been parked in front of the estate taking up one lane of the road. Cars are forced to turn onto the oncoming lane even though visibility of oncoming traffic is poor.

“Last week I asked the truck driver to pull over to the side of the road. He had such a bad attitude and started making fun of me. I have been in contact with the mall’s security officer and he told me that the problem will be sorted, yet it still continues,” Muller said.

Jorgenson said his concerns have been noted.

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