The DA has ramped up the pressure on KwaZulu-Natal’s (KZN) Department of Transport (DoT) following numerous ongoing complaints over the unsatisfactory state of the M13 highway.
Recent feedback from the DoT has seen an acknowledgment that current road conditions are below standard, with the following revealed;
• That a contract for 20km of M13 guardrail repairs and replacement is at award stage with commencement due in the next few months and;
• That the DoT has put together a three-year contract to address overall maintenance issues, with commencement expected within four months while an internal team has currently been assigned to clear drainage.
Prior to the N3 upgrade, SANRAL identified the M13 as an alternative route and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with KZN’s DoT. Some of the maintenance activities are to be implemented under this agreement.
The M13 has been a source of concern for many years and the more recent outcry over the lack of concrete barriers has been heard by the DA and communicated to the Department.
These barriers serve important purposes including crash mitigation, traffic control, separation of road users, debris containment, noise reduction and access management. However, while they enhance overall road safety and make a significant difference in safety outcomes, they don’t eliminate accidents.
The M13 is the scene of accidents on an almost daily basis. While the DoT can implement safety measures and maintain and service the road, the onus also rests with motorists who must abide by the rules of the road.
The DA urges residents to become involved in Community Policing Forums (CPFs) – attended by SAPS and Metro Police representatives – and to keep highlighting the need for more visible policing along major routes such as the M13.
The DA is committed to ensuring that residents voices are heard. Road safety is crucial in order to prevent accidents and protect lives. By promoting awareness and following the rules, KZN’s people can become part of the solution and make our roads safer.