IT has been a little over a year since the divesting floods hit KZN and some of the roads and bridges that were severely damaged have been fixed while others are still under construction.
But one of the damaged roads that has not yet been fixed is causing a family from Ntuzuma, KZN pain and misery.
This is because their daughter, Noxolo Khumalo(26), unknowingly drove on the damaged road while visiting her family and flew into a manhole. She died on the scene.
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Noxolo's devastated family blamed the Department of Transport for not fixing the road. However, they were pleased on Monday, 8 May, that the road would soon be fixed.
This is because a contractor, who will repair the road that links Ntuzuma and Inanda, was introduced to residents on Friday, 5 May by Transport MEC Sipho Hlomuka and eThekwini Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda.
Kaunda said the R21 million project is expected to take six months to complete.
"This road was damaged by the April 2022 floods and it is one of the few remaining projects to be repaired within the metro. The road suffered severe wash-aways in the section over Piesang River," said Kaunda.
He said this rendered the road untraversable and forced complete closure.
"The Department of Transport has been working on the process of finding a suitable bidder to conduct the repair. The contractor is now appointed and is ready to resume work on site. The reconstruction of this road will be a huge relief to the residents of Ntuzuma and Inanda as it serves as a link to Bridge City Mall, Main road M25 and other important business activities," he said.
Noxolo's family said they are happy the damaged road will be fixed.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Aisha Ntuli told Daily Sun: "At least no one else will die on that road again. We are grateful our plea to have the road fixed was heard and the department acted fast."
A resident from Nhlungwane, Thabile Majoka (33), said they were battling to travel since the road was damaged.
"Taxis were taking other routes and it was difficult for us because it meant that we walk long distances to get transport. But now that the road will be repaired, we are very happy. We just hope they will do a good job and this won't happen again," she said.
Another resident, Thabani Dlamini (28), said he is happy the road will finally be fixed.
"I hope they will employ the jobless youth in the Nhlungwane area t help fix the road. We've suffered a lot since the road was damaged. Some residents were able to walk through the damaged road, but it was difficult for others," he said.
