KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety & Liaison Sipho Hlomuka has issued an appeal to the community of Zululand to work with government and allow the movement of tipper trucks on the N2 in Phongolo, without any intimidation.
The ongoing blockading of trucks by community members in Phongola is causing severe traffic congestion on the R34/R66, which is increasing the risk of more accidents. In addition, the increased truck volume on the R36/R66 is damaging the road infrastructure, which is not built to handle heavy vehicles.
The N2 Phongolo is the main road designed to safely accommodate heavy vehicles and is a strategic route for trucks to use, as it connects with other Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries. The continuous blockading of trucks on the N2 also has the potential to lead to an economic crisis for the province and the country as a whole.
“While we acknowledge the devastation these trucks have caused to the community of Phongolo, we once again make a strong appeal to the community to open up the N2. The opening of the road is being supported by the bold plans we have started to implement, as we work with various stakeholders and the community of Phongolo. If this situation continues, the economy of the province and the country will be adversely affected. The travelling of trucks on the R34/R66 is not sustainable, since that road is not designed for heavy vehicles.
The community must also refrain from activities that will put them in conflict with law enforcement agencies,” appealed MEC Hlomuka.
The MEC further mentioned that police are increasing deployments to monitor the situation in the area following the ongoing, sporadic threats and stoning of vehicles. There are messages to this effect that have been doing the rounds on social media.
Government will continue to engage with various stakeholders and the community of uPhongolo to monitor the implementation of interventions, and to find long-lasting solutions.
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