The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport has committed to assessing the damaged sections of Verulam's R102 after complaints from the Verulam Business Forum. The forum's chairperson, Roshan Lil-Ruthan, raised concerns about the road's condition, citing tyre damage, uneven surfaces, and alleged accidents. He wrote a letter to the department, requesting urgent permanent repairs on the affected roads. Lil-Ruthan emphasized that the issue requires immediate intervention, in line with the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma's "Vala Onke" directive.
Lil-Ruthan reported witnessing at least three vehicles sustain tyre damage after hitting potholes along the R102 on Sunday, November 1. He identified a large pothole on the southbound carriageway of the R102, opposite the Verulam Fire Station, as a critical concern. This pothole has deteriorated significantly, posing a severe hazard to road users. Additionally, police officers assisted a stranded motorist on Sunday night after a vehicle sustained substantial damage due to the road defect.
The Verulam Business Forum chairperson claimed that motorists who have suffered losses are considering recovery actions against the transport department for damages incurred due to the road's condition. He highlighted two further areas of concern on the northbound carriageway towards King Shaka International Airport. At the traffic signal intersection, the left lane is severely ridged, lifted, and uneven, causing instability for heavy vehicles. Approximately 300 meters beyond this intersection, the left lane has deteriorated extensively, with a significant pothole and visible water surfacing through the damaged section.
Lil-Ruthan emphasized that the rapid deterioration of the road surface suggests that earlier repairs were inadequate and failed to address the underlying structural problem. The Verulam Business Forum submitted that continual patch repairs are proving ineffective, resulting in repeated expenditure while exposing road users to unacceptable risks. They requested a proper engineering assessment and permanent remedial works to address the root cause of the failures.
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport responded to the issue, assuring that a team would attend to the problem as soon as possible. Sifundiswa Lunga of the department stated that the team from their north office would ensure that the work is completed on P100 and then deal with R102, especially the areas identified as problems. The team will report back on progress and timelines.
Lunga confirmed that the team will conduct an assessment of the damaged sections of the roads and report back with suggested interventions, where black top patching will be inadequate. The department aims to provide urgent feedback on their intended course of action, anticipated timelines for repairs, and whether an inspection can be conducted as a matter of priority before further vehicle damage, injuries, or fatalities occur.
The Verulam Business Forum's concerns highlight the ongoing issue of potholes on South Africa's roads and the need for effective maintenance and repairs. The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport's response demonstrates their awareness of the problem and commitment to addressing it. The effectiveness of their actions and the impact on road safety will be closely watched by the Verulam Business Forum and other stakeholders.
Key points
- The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport has promised to assess and repair damaged sections of Verulam's R102.
- The Verulam Business Forum reported tyre damage, uneven surfaces, and alleged accidents due to the road's condition.
- The department's response aims to address the root cause of the road failures and provide a long-term solution.
