FOLLOWING numerous complaints raised over the poor state of the roads in Jacobs and surrounding areas in Durban, the eThekwini Municipality has announced that three additional asphalt service providers have been appointed.

Manchester Road in the Jacobs industrial area is riddled with giant potholes forcing local motorists to use alternative routes.

Also read: Protest erupts in Jacobs: Women demand jobs and fair treatment

Residents have been calling for the rehabilitation of municipal roads in Jacobs as the state of some access roads have badly deteriorated due to heavy trucks making use of this road.

A representative for the Jacobs Clean Up Initiative Douglas Christowitz said the number of trucks carrying heavy goods had increased substantially.

“I’m sure one has noticed that the smaller side streets weren’t built for the hundreds of trucks coming in and out of Jacobs each week. The trucks are damaging the infrastructure, including storm drain covers. Manchester Road is the worst of all the roads. Additionally, truck drivers park wherever they please – such as on the verges – so creating craters. When it rains heavily, the sand from these craters washes into the drains, causing blockages and preventing rainwater from draining properly, which further damages the infrastructure. Manchester Road will eventually have to be torn up, regraded, and re-tarred,” said Christowitz.

Also read: Pothole claims are mounting in South Africa

He called on business owners to take proactive steps to keep Jacobs clean and reduce damage to infrastructure.

eThekwini Municipality appoints asphalt service providers

Meanwhile, the municipality said its Roads and Stormwater Maintenance (RSWM) Department is taking significant steps to address the ongoing pothole challenge. In a statement eThekwini Municipality said the RSWM Department has recently appointed three additional asphalt service providers.

“This strategic move, combined with the dedication of the municipality’s internal teams, will enable the City to tackle the backlog of pothole repairs more efficiently. Over the past weekend, crews worked round the clock to prioritise pothole repairs along major routes.

“To further accelerate the process, additional overtime has been approved for the coming weeks to ensure more potholes are repaired. The municipality’s focus is on addressing the most severe potholes and critical repairs to improve road conditions for residents,” read the statement.

“It is important to note that asphalt repairs can be affected by adverse weather conditions, such as rainfall. The municipality appreciates the patience and understanding of the public as it works to resolve this issue. The municipality assures residents that it remains committed to improving road infrastructure and creating a safer and smoother driving experience for all,” said a statement.

DA PR councilllor Thabani Ndlovu said roads in the Jacobs industrial area needed an urgent municipal intervention.

“I wrote a letter to the office of the deputy head for road and storm water alerting them about the state of the roads in Jacobs. In his response, he said the department would conduct an oversight visit sometime next week.

“We welcome the efforts from eThekwini to try and remedy the situation; however, the Jacobs area is in crisis and therefore needs an action plan immediately. We are interested in seeing the actual work being done on the ground. There have been many commitments made by various departments, but none have materialised. The Jacobs industrial area deserves to be working properly and to have good infrastructure,” said Ndlovu.

To report potholes, blocked storm water drains, missing manhole covers, and other engineering faults:

• Call 080 131 3013 or email: [email protected].
• WhatsApp: 0731483477

Enquires relating to the construction of new roads can be directed to:
Lihle Mkhize
Tel: 031 311 7642
Email: [email protected]

Requests for speed humps can be directed to:

Eugene Naidoo
Tel: 031 3117316
Email: [email protected]

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