uMhlanga road network upgrade nears completion

IN the months leading up to the festive season, much of the focus was on traffic congestion in and around the uMhlanga CBD, particularly surrounding the R4-billion Oceans Mall catalytic development.

The uMhlanga Ratepayers’ and Residents’ Association (URRA), ward councillor Nicole Bollman and visitors had expressed their misgivings over timeframes given for the road network infrastructure upgrades which were meant to be completed by December 14.

Brian Mpono, CEO of Oceans Umhlanga, explained that a number of challenges were faced by the contractor, such as bad weather and the need for relocation of numerous underground services.

“It is important to acknowledge that Oceans Umhlanga developers took the lead by contributing 30% of the significant expenses associated with the comprehensive upgrades, which now serve and benefit all businesses and residents in lower uMhlanga. The inconvenience caused by the upgrade may have posed challenges for the public, but the comprehensive nature of the improvements rendered such disruptions unavoidable. From our perspective, the temporary inconvenience is justified by the substantial advantages it brings to the broader uMhlanga community,” he said.

When Northglen News visited the village on Friday, December 15, the upgrade work of the road network was nearing completion.

According to Mpono, Lagoon Drive was changed from a single lane to a double lane in both directions, and Lighthouse Road has gained a lane in each direction to ease traffic flow in and out of the village.

“The intersection of Lighthouse Road and Lagoon Drive and Chartwell has been upgraded, and new traffic lights have been installed. In addition to the above, a new interim public transport facility with an increased capacity for 91 minibus taxis from the original approved 48 bays, is being constructed off Flamingo Lane. Once completed, this will hopefully minimise the number of taxis parked on Ridge Road and the M4-South (Umhlanga Rocks Bridge on-ramp). The eThekwini Municipality is earnestly seeking a permanent solution for the public transportation issues facing Umhlanga Rocks,” he said.

He added that upgrades to streetlighting and sidewalks have also been undertaken as well as the retarring of Lagoon Drive.

uMhlanga Ratepayers’ and Residents’ Association (URRA) chairperson Terri MacLarty said she was happy there was a commitment from metro police for the festive season.

“The area looks tidier as the machinery and cranes have been moved away. We are, however, very disappointed that the contractors couldn’t keep to the timeline. I have seen the upgrades undertaken and that work is still being completed on the sidewalks and pavements. Metro police have given us a commitment that they will be managing the traffic for the next three to four weeks, which is a positive,” she said.

Ward councillor Nicole Bollman said the road upgrade could alleviate traffic congestion in the area.

“Ultimately, until we are all used to the new road network, there will be some adjustment needed. The realignment and upgrade of the roads have changed quite considerably in the last few weeks. I do feel the upgrade could alleviate traffic congestion. I must stress, however, that the 91 bays for the taxis is not enough and while I understand the City is still engaging with the various role-players, it must be prioritised,” she said.

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