The community of KwaMaphumulo will soon travel with ease again after the Department of Transport today (06 September 2022) officially handed over to a contractor that will repair R74 which was severely damaged during the December 2021 floods.
The heavy rains resulted in a formation of a sinkhole, which lead to the road being officially closed. This forced motorists to take a detour via the KwaMaphumulo Central Business District, which caused travel delays and road congestion.
The reconstruction of R74 at a cost of over R77 million rands will include the building of a bridge to ensure the safety of motorists. The construction has resumed and is expected to take six months.
This road is strategic for the provincial economy as it is used by a lot of heavy vehicles to transport agricultural produce. This road also links the town of KwaDukuza, KwaMaphumulo, Kranskop and Greytown and also serves as a feeder to the N2.
MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison Sipho Hlomuka, said the repair of this road is essential in opening up the economy of the district and the economy of the province.
“The reconstruction of this section is important in restoring the livelihood of the people of KwaMaphumulo and all those who are using this strategic road. This also confirmed our commitment to fixing all roads that were affected by the floods. This project will create jobs and create opportunities for emerging contractors. The Community must protect this project and not allow people to disrupt the construction,” said Hlomuka.
Hlomuka, was accompanied by iLembe District Mayor Cllr Thobani Shandu, the leadership of the taxi industry, traditional leadership and the local community.
