RESIDENTS and the uMhlanga Ratepayers’ and Residents’ Association (URRA) met with Balwin Properties and representatives from eThekwini Municipality recently to discuss plans to widen Herrwood Drive.

Earlier this year the City had confirmed that the road was earmarked for an upgrade from a two-lane road to a four-lane road (two lanes in each direction) with a centre island and sidewalks.

They also confirmed the project, worth an estimated R112m, is being privately funded by Balwin Properties.

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According to Duncan Heafield, vice-chairman of URRA, the purpose of the meeting was to provide a platform for residents to raise concerns about how the proposed Herrwood Drive development could affect their properties and daily lives.

“Residents present at the meeting voiced frustrations about access difficulties, safety concerns, and the long-term impact of the two-lane carriageway design currently proposed by the developers. Various alternative proposals were tabled, including eliminating the middle barrier and redesigning the road into a single wider lane in each direction rather than a two-lane expansion. Residents argued this would ease congestion while minimising the disruption and property encroachments experienced along Herrwood Drive,” he said.

Heafield said that the ratepayers body remained committed to safeguarding the community’s interests.

“We want to ensure that any development aligns with both municipal planning requirements and the quality of life for residents,” he said.

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