Is R216 million enough to fix KZN’s roads? Premier Ntuli reveals strategy

Premier Thami Ntuli announces R216 million investment to tackle KwaZulu-Natal’s pothole backlog, aiming to repair 3.12 million square meters of road, improve safety, and boost economic mobility. KwaZulu Natal PremierThami Ntulihas announced a R216 million allocation to address KwaZulu-Natal’s severe pothole backlog, with an initial focus on repairing 3.12 million square meters of damaged road surfaces across the province. He outlined a comprehensive plan to tackle the province’s deteriorating road infrastructure.

He revealed that 55 trucks, alongside over 100 road workers and supervisors, would be deployed to ensure the effective repair of roads, with the goal of improving road safety and reducing the growing number of vehicle damages, delays, and accidents caused by potholes. “The aim is to restore our road network, reduce delays, and improve the safety of road users,” Ntuli said. “These efforts are crucial not only for safety but also for improving mobility and facilitating economic activity across the province.” The Premier also emphasised that the provincial government is addressing bottlenecks in infrastructure development by streamlining approval processes, particularly with regard to land use and water licenses.

He pointed to the need to strengthen agreements with theIngonyama Trust Boardto expedite land-related approvals, which will ultimately help unlock the progress of critical infrastructure projects. With a public-sector infrastructure investment programme of R4.1 billion allocated for the upcoming financial year, Ntuli highlighted the importance of supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs) in the construction sector. He also mentioned that R3.6 billion inSanral projectswould create 6,842 jobs for residents across the province.

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Ntuli spoke of various ongoing projects across KwaZulu-Natal’s districts, aimed at boosting economic growth and improving essential services. These projects span sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure development, and manufacturing, with significant investments being made in uMgungundlovu, uThukela, Zululand, uMkhanyakude, and King Cetshwayo, among others.

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