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Mzimkhulu River bridge closure: Feedback awaited on toll fee exemption

As of today (March 24) the matter is being urgently addressed by the office of the National Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy.

With the recent closure of the Mzimkhulu River bridge on the R102 in Port Shepstone, many motorists are finding it unaffordable to use the only safe alternative route, the N2 toll at Marburg.

Traffic on the other alternative route, Batstones Drift and the Sugar Mill Road has become a nightmare.

On weekdays, it takes motorists more than an hour along Batstones Drift, between Umtentweni and Port Shepstone.

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport (DoT) has written to the national government to waiver toll fees to cushion the financial burden on citizens.

The spokesperson for DOT and Human Settlements, Ndabezinhle Sibiya, said a directive is being awaited from the National Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, as this process involves engagements with the South African National Roads Agency Limited’s (Sanral) board, the Ministry of Finance and National Treasury.

“We understand the frustration of motorists and we are confident that the minister will give feedback soon. As of this morning (today) March 24, the minister’s office assured us that the matter is being given the utmost urgency,” said Sibiya.

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Sugan Naidoo

Senior reporter Sugan Naidoo is a true son of the South Coast soil. He was to the newspaper industry born, his late father working at the South Coast Herald back in the days when black and white photographs were still being used. Sugan has been with Caxton for close to three decades, having started as a weekend photographer, straight out of school. He soon showed his skill in hard news reporting and has, over the years, added to his repertoire, with motoring now one of his important beats. He is always willing to go the extra mile, especially if it's to test drive a new vehicle. He supports the Proteas, Springboks and Manchester United.
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