IN October 2022, residents living on Kew Road raised concerns over what they called ‘incomplete’ road repairs.

At the time, the road had just been re-instated after more than a year of a closure which impacted the residents who saw a section of the residential road collapse and worsen.

While the overriding feeling at the time after the repair was relief, residents questioned why the bank alongside the road had not been reinforced with gabion baskets when it was resurfaced, and they had also noticed a crack in the foundation of the newly laid tar, prompting fears of yet another collapse.

Also read: Section of Kenville Road collapses yet again

Fast forward two years, and it seems their concerns were warranted as Kew Road has, once again, been closed due to a road collapse.

A boundary wall of a business property running parallel to the road has also collapsed.

This is the second road in the area that has collapsed in recent weeks.

Kenville and Sea Cow Lake Residents’ and Ratepayers’ Association chairperson Anil Beekrum said residents are now left with the question of how long it will take for the road to be re-instated.

“Residents had begun noticing a crack widening on the road in time that worsened to the point where the road, bank and a wall of the business property collapsed. This collapse is less than 1km from another one on Kenville Road. With more rain coming, we fear the condition of Kew Road will worsen. The eThekwini Municipality have closed the road to motorists, but the concern now is how long repairs will take and when it will be re-instated.

Also read: City to determine scope of repairs on uMhlanga sinkhole

“I’ve also been told the City intends to put weight-limit signs for heavy-duty vehicles, which is an issue we had raised a while back. These roads in the Kenville and Sea Cow Lake areas are not built for heavy-duty vehicles. The latest closure will affect residents’ movements. Kew Road is one of the main arterial routes to Queen Nandi Drive and eventually to the N2. Residents will now have to use other residential roads, adding to the congestion, and they will have to use extra fuel to get in and out of the area,” he said.

For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook , X or  Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here