The DA in Mkhondo called on the municipality to urgently act on the trucks heading to Richard Bay via Mkhondo.
The roads and infrastructure in this town are on the brink of collapsing. It has become impossible for regular vehicles to travel on these roads.
According to statistics, over 600 trucks travel towards Richards Bay through Mkhondo every day, via Kotze Street and Mark Street before proceeding to the N2. Meanwhile, some trucks return to their departure destination, via the same route.
This is a major concern in Mkhondo, as the road infrastructure cannot cater for these heavy load trucks transporting coal and timber on a daily basis.
Trucks contribute massively to our local economy, and thus the municipality’s ignorance towards the roads is alarming and a real cause for concern. It has failed to ensure that roads in this town remain safe to motorists at all times.
Infrastructure planning and maintenance is the mandate of the municipality. We have already observed accidents on these roads as a result of their poor condition. More hazards are likely to occur if the situation remains the same.
The wheels of service delivery are slowly coming off in Mkhondo. Motorists in this regard are left to fend for themselves.
The road surface and texture of these roads is affecting the longevity of tires and the fuel efficiency of vehicles. This also influences driving behaviour, causing drivers to make sharp movements to avoid obstacles.
We therefore call on the MMC of Planning and Economic Development, Thembisile Khumalo and the MMC of Financial Service Thokozani Manana to secure funding for repairing these roads.