More than R400m set aside to upgrade crucial Zululand route

Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma announced on Tuesday that R424-million will be invested in the rehabilitation of the road between Vryheid and Pongola.

Addressing the community of Ngoje, it was emphasised that the road is a vital link between South Africa and Swaziland.

The alarming state of many roads throughout the Zululand region have given them ‘death trap’ labels, the region’s roads have also seen several horrific fatal accidents in recent years.

These include a major accident in June resulting in 12 deaths, and the unforgettable crash near Pongola in September 2022 which claimed the lives of 21 people, including 19 children, when a truck and bakkie collided on the N2.

Making history, Duma allocated an additional R22-million for salaries, while R76-million is said to benefit businesses owned by women (R22.8m), youth (R26.6m), people with disabilities (R3.8m), military veterans (R7.6m), and more.

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