New R190m road upgrade linking Port Edward and Izingolweni is a disappointment
On some sections, potholes have appeared.
The main road (P284) which links Port Edward and Izingolweni was recently upgraded at a cost of R190m, however, regular users are unhappy with the state of it.
Mduduzi Mavundla, a frequent user, said that the road is not in good condition, especially now that it is damaged with potholes.
“When it gets hot, the tar melts, which means that it was not done properly. It needs to be redone.”
A local resident, Ronnie Khomo said the state of the road is shocking, considering it was just rehabilitated by the KZN Department of Transport (DoT).
“We were excited to see the road being constructed, but now we are disappointed to see it in this state. Motorists now have to swerve to avoid potholes and end up driving on the oncoming lane which could cause an accident.”
Khomo added that pedestrians have to be alert as motorists sometimes leave the road to drive on the verge.
In February 2024, the then MEC for Transport Sipho Hlomuka ha
d handed over the P284 road project for a face lift. At the time, Hlomuka had said that the 37.86km stretch serves as a crucial bypass, diverting traffic from the R61 in Southbroom to the N2-21, which leads to Harding and Kokstad.
DoT was contacted for comment about the complaints, but none was received at the time of going to press.
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