COUNCILLORS have called on the City of uMhlathuze to pressurise the Department of Transport (DOT) in fast-tracking the doubling of the R619 from Mtubatuba to Richards Bay.
The busy stretch of road, which has seen increased congestion over the past year due to the construction on the John Ross Highway, is fast deteriorating and lined with dangerous potholes.
The issue came to light as Councillors noted the progress of the upgrade of the John Ross Highway and other DOT and South African National Roads Agency projects at last week’s Executive Committee sitting.
‘We are happy with the upgrade of the John Ross Highway, but the doubling of the R619 has been put on hold for far too long,’ said Cllr DA Nxumalo.
‘Being a provincial road, the department reportedly does not have funds budgeted for this project. But we as a municipality should lobby DOT to expedite this project as it is a matter of priority. Both lanes should be doubled. We must request that this project be budgeted for in the next financial year.’
City Mayor Elphas Mbatha echoed similar sentiments, adding that the doubling of the road was much needed for the City.
The R619 route’s northern terminus is the N2, north-east of Empangeni and north of Richards Bay. It heads south, for nine kilometers to meet up with the R34 at Richards Bay.
A large number of trucks travel on the regional road en route to the Port of Richards Bay causing excessive traffic bottlenecking during peak periods.
In a report tabled to Council, the Infrastructure and Technical Services Portfolio Committee also expressed serious concern regarding the traffic lights at the eSikhaleni intersection that were still out of order. A site visit was scheduled to assess the situation.
