Crash chaos at new intersection

LESS than 24 hours after the opening of Mtuba Mall, the intersection feeding one of its entrances became an accident hotspot.

The intersection at the Msinsi Road entrance to the mall, disputed by Mtubatuba residents from the outset, was the venue of an accident on Thursday night and then another during Friday morning rush hour.

On Thursday afternoon the intersection became a four-way stop after the erection of signs on the main road.

However, not only was there no warning of the change but none of the usual signage approaching a four-way stop had been provided.

It is of little surprise then, that both local and visiting motorists were caught unawares by the standard stop sign on this main road.

This is particularly dangerous at night as current street lighting is insufficient to provide adequate warning of impending stop signs.

This led to two accidents by Friday morning and Mtubatuba residents fear there may be many more.

While there are plans for this intersection – as well as two others on the same stretch of road – to become traffic light-controlled, no one knows when this will be.

In the interim, Mtubatuba residents are concerned that future accidents at this spot could be fatal, taking into account the high volume of large trucks, using this road.

By Friday afternoon’s rush hour the street had been painted, indicating a four way stop.