Zimbali Lakes under the IFA Group has completed the new M4 circle.
The problem, however, is that the circle has no lighting whatsoever and is in total darkness at night. This has resulted in a number of accidents.
I have written to the Department of Transport (DoT) on numerous occasions to request street lights. I even escalated it to the provincial office, but still no positive reply.
Eventually I wrote to Cobus Oelofse at the iLembe Chamber and after following up, he did receive a response from DoT.
The department gave the assurance that the IFA Group was given the go-ahead, but there was a shortage of street lamps.
In the meantime, cables will be laid and poles are expected to be erected in the first week of May. I was also told that street signs would be erected in time for the Easter holidaymakers.
Regarding the construction causing traffic delays on the M4, Arcis was supposed to have finished the project last month, but the removal of fibre cables and Siza Water having to complete infrastructure caused a delay.
According to Siza Water, they are done on their side. I also spoke to the project manager of TEZ Plant & Civils Engineering and he said construction should be completed by the end of May.
Residents are concerned as they report that often no work is being done on site. The current flooding will also likely further delay the new completion date.
The P445 from Manor Estate to the M4/Ballito Drive have street lines fading and some are completely non-existent. Regarding this I have written to DoT and I was told that they are awaiting a new contractor to repaint these lines.
Douglas Crowe Drive and Steward Drive also need repainting. This is a KwaDukuza municipality road and I was informed last week after asking continuously that it is on the “priority list”.
Ballito Drive is being resurfaced between BP and Seward Estate, with work starting last week. Hopefully after the civils team is done, the traffic team can then come in to repaint and Ballito Drive will be looking like new.
For any further queries or comments, you are welcome to contact me at 061 686 9071 or jacksballito@gmail.com