‘Hell Route’ – that is what motorists are calling the journey from Dundee to Vryheid

The Dundee/Vryheid road has deteriorated to such an extent that commuters and logistics companies are considering making alternative arrangements to access the Zululand District.
Stretches of this section of the R33 began to collapse following the flooding in the area in February.
While the route in the Zululand District, from Vryheid to the Buffalo River bridge, has been largely repaired – albeit just by filling in potholes – the rest of the road, from the Buffalo River to Dundee, has become a hazardous journey to undertake.

“There are parts of the road where there is no tar at all and this goes right across the road. So what happens is that, to be safe, you have to stop and pull over to the side of the road and drive on the embankment, which is exceedingly dangerous at night,” said Flip Ferreria, who is a daily commuter to Vryheid.
On one part of the route, local communities have attempted to fill in some of the ruts with sand. They then stand at the side of the road, hoping to get a ‘reward’ from passing motorists.

Little has been done by the authorities to carry out repairs, other than put up a warning sign that reads ‘potholes’ and reflective bollards that are simply hammered into some of the potholes to warn motorists to slow down.
Owners of transport companies say they have little choice but to use the route for business purposes, but are considering taking the Newcastle/Utrecht route – which adds about 100km to the trip and increases input costs.

“Many of us who travel daily to Vryheid and back for work have no choice but to use this road. I am going through tyres and you feel very vulnerable when travelling on that road. Surely those in positions of authority also use this route and can see it is simply unacceptable,” said another commuter who declined to be named.

Cllr Naresh Gopie said that although the local Endumeni council’s responsibility does not extend to provincial roads, the poor condition of the Dundee/Vryheid road poses a serious danger to motorists, with potholes and other hazards making it difficult to drive safely.

“Despite efforts to raise the issue with the local Roads Department and a promise that work would start in the first week of June, no progress has been made. It is unacceptable that drivers continue to be put at risk due to the neglect of this vital roadway. Urgent action is needed to address this issue and ensure the safety of all road-users,” he said.
The KZN Transport Department was contacted for comment, but at the time of going to press, none had been received.