The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Ray Nkonyeni Municipality has launched a petition to compel the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport (KZN DoT) to include the Umzumbe Bridge to the N2, as part of their rehabilitation plan of the R102 (P3-1) road from Port Shepstone to Hibberdene.
This follows the department’s decision to exclude this part of the road, the most critically damaged stretch.
This road, which runs through Ray Nkonyeni Municipality, was initially proposed for a full 27km rehabilitation. However, the Department has only approved upgrades for 21km, stopping at the Umzumbe Bridge and leaving out the final 6km that traverses Ward 13.
The DA views this decision as both short-sighted and unjust. Ward 13 is the gateway to the South Coast, home to two Blue Flag beaches and a growing tourism economy. Yet it continues to be overlooked when it comes to infrastructure investment. Residents and motorists alike face deteriorating road conditions, posing serious safety risks and damaging local livelihoods.
The DA will not stand by while communities are neglected. We have since launched a petition calling for the immediate inclusion of the remaining section of the P3-1 in the DoT’s rehabilitation plan. The petition will be submitted to the KZN Legislature and tabled for urgent consideration.
The DA encourages all affected residents and road users to stand united in demanding long-overdue action.
https://petitions.da.org.za/p/Fix-P3-1-Road
The DA remains committed to holding the Department of Transport accountable and ensuring that every community in KwaZulu-Natal receives fair and equal access to service delivery.