The recent death of a bushbuck in a hit-and-run drew renewed calls for more speed humps entering the village of Umdloti.

However, eThekwini Municipality has once again denied the request.

Speeding vehicles have turned the stretch of road between Salta Boulevard and the Umdloti Kwikspar into a death-trap. Two weeks ago, Umdloti residents were alerted to another dead bushbuck on the side of Jabu Ngcobo Drive, between Bellamont Road and the entrance to the village.

eThekwini Municipality technologist, Mlamuli Edwin Bhengu, told the Courier that speed humps cannot be installed on the stretch of road leading into the village.

“Jabu Ngcobo Road is categorised as a class 3 higher order road (experiencing increased traffic demand),” said Bhengu.

“Following the city’s existing endorsed traffic calming policy, traffic calming measures are not supported on these road types as their main function is to facilitate mobility and decrease travel times.”

Umdloti Conservancy spokesperson, Terry Rens, said both the local wildlife and pedestrians are in danger from speeding vehicles.

“Years ago, a person was hit by a car near the Spar,” said Rens.

“It’s no surprise because there’s no pedestrian walkways or sidewalks. When pedestrians walk next to each other, one of them is always in the road. Monkeys, mongoose, genets and different buck are killed on this stretch of road.”

Last February, the Courier reported another hit-and-run in Bellamont Road, which led to a blue duiker being euthanised after having its pelvis crushed. It sparked a petition by residents for speed humps, which were installed a few months later.

“Many other animals have been killed or injured on this part of the road over the years,” added Rens.

“The road runs through a proclaimed nature reserve, but the local wildlife is in constant danger – we need speed humps to protect the animals.”

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