Overgrown N2 verges are a fire hazard
Concern was also raised that the lack of the maintenance is due to a dispute with a contractor.
Motorists have raised concerns about the non-maintenance of the verges along the N2, between Hibberdene and Port Edward.
Many of the complaints centred around the verges not been cut for several months.
With winter approaching, another concern is that the dry grass could become a fire hazard.
According to the South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) which oversees maintenance of verges along national roads, the reason for non-maintenance currently is due to a contractor not been appointed as yet.
“Sanral is in the process of appointing a new contractor and the tender is currently in the evaluation process,” said Ishaan Ramklown, Eastern Region project manager.
According to Mr Ramklown, there are two modes of verge cutting and these are done several times a year depending on the season.
“The first mode involves a shoulder cut undertaken at the beginning of the year in January with a second cut in August. Thereafter, the next mode includes a general mow from edge of road to the road reserve boundary in April/May with a second cut during the October to December period. This constitutes a total of four cuts per year for the two modes,” he added.
Concern was also raised that the lack of the maintenance is due to a dispute with a contractor.
“There are no disputes, but we are in the evaluation stage of the appointment of the new contractor. We have managed to undertake a one metre wide cut from edge of road from Mtumvuna to Southbroom. On the remaining section from Southbroom to Hibberdene, we will cut areas around six interchanges to maintain suitable sight distances at the off ramps.”
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