Alternative solutions offered to ease Ballito’s traffic congestion challenges

Two solutions to Ballito’s loadshedding induced traffic nightmare are being explored by local interest groups.

Traffic congestion became a daily concern since flood damage earlier this year resulted in the closure of the M4 bridge below Zimbali and the N2 northbound lane at Umhlali, causing significant bottlenecking. Coupled with loadshedding, commuters attempting to enter Ballito from the N2 have increasingly found themselves in a grid-lock.

Travelling from the south, motorists have reported waiting up to 40 minutes to get off the N2 and into Ballito.

Last week as loadshedding levels escalated, the absence of pointsmen was painfully obvious, as was the immediate difference it made when one was stationed at Ballito last Friday.

The Courier contacted the municipality for confirmation that pointsmen would continue to assist during peak hours affected by loadshedding. While no feedback was received, officers could be seen directing traffic on Monday morning.

According to Democratic Alliance Ward 30 councillor Jack Abrahams, the KwaDukuza municipality’s traffic department has the highest number of vacancies to fill in the community safety portfolio. A staff shortage therefore exists.

He said he requested that pointsmen be directed to assist with the congestion.

However, loadshedding will continue to have an impact for some time and Abrahams said proactive interventions need to be considered in the interim while the traffic department remains under-resourced.

This is where both the Ballito Urban Improvement Precinct (UIP) and Dolphin Coast Residents and Ratepayers Association (Docrra) come in.

Ballito UIP precinct manager, Thierry Leclezio, said they were looking into the viability of taking Ballito’s traffic lights off the grid. This would be achieved with the installation of solar panels.

While the idea is still being explored, it would solve the problem in the long run.

“Ballito is a vital economic node with a significant rates base for the KwaDukuza municipality. It is imperative that infrastructure and services operate effectively at all times,” Thierry said.

Docrra chairman Deon Viljoen said with the help of local councillors, the municipality had approved their plan in principle of sponsoring pointsmen. This could see 25 people undergo a training course and be employed as law enforcement officers for the municipality.

If approved, qualified staff will receive additional training in by-law enforcement. Ten of the officers would be used to serve as pointsmen when needed.

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