KZN Midlands residents raise alarm over deteriorating provincial roads
Alarm over the deteriorating state of provincial roads, saying they are damaging local economies and hampering services to communities. The Kamberg community in Mooi River in the Midlands is the latest to raise concerns about the state of roads.
They highlight that the road, known as P164, is a lifeline for business and services in the community. They claim that it is in a dilapidated state and is threatening business activity and schools, including life-saving emergency services.
Their complaint comes shortly after the communities in uMngeni and iMpendle local municipalities detailed their own challenges with poor provincial roads. uMngeni Mayor Chris Pappas recently clashed with the Department of Transport over the state of provincial roads in his area.
In an open letter, the Kamberg community outlined their challenges, including damage to tourism and events businesses. The letter was posted online and triggered a large reaction, with others highlighting their own frustrations.
The letter, signed under the Qambathi Mountain Lodge, stated, “After hearing Chris Pappas speak about the state of roads in KZN, I realised he wasn’t exaggerating — he was describing our daily reality in Kamberg. His message wasn’t political; it was the truth. And it’s time the rest of the province listened.
“What’s happening here is the slow death of an entire community — and nobody in power seems to care. Kamberg is one of the most beautiful valleys in South Africa, a place where families have lived for generations, where farmers produce the food that feeds this province, where small lodges and guesthouses keep the local economy alive, and where thousands of visitors travel every year to experience the Drakensberg. Yet, the single road that connects all of us to the outside world, the P164, has become a national embarrassment.
“The road of about 16 kilometres is under rehabilitation, with a budget of R215 million. More than two years of ‘work’. Zero tar. Zero completion. Zero accountability. In every direction you look, this road tells the story of a state that has collapsed and taken us with it.” Detailing the impact of the road on the communities, the letter listed several incidents, including:
- Schoolchildren pushing taxis out of mud in the rain.
- Milk tankers jack-knifed because the road surface turned to clay.
- Farmers are unable to get feed delivered.
- Guests struggling to get through the road safely.
- Luxury vehicles, low cars, and even tractors getting stuck.
- Residents using private tractors to rescue strangers.
- Staff walking in dangerous places when taxis can’t reach them.
- Emergency vehicles are unable to reach people quickly.
Pappas said there has been some progress in addressing the challenges they raised. “The Deputy Mayor, Sandile Mnikathi, in his capacity as Chairperson of the Infrastructure Committee, convened a meeting with officials from the Department of Transport (DoT) and community representatives.
“uMngeni Municipality hosted this engagement in an effort to obtain clarity and drive progress, recognising that while the roads, budgets, and procurement processes fall under the provincial government, the consequences of underperformance are felt directly by our communities and the local economy.
“The meeting largely confirmed what was already known. The DoT has appointed a number of underperforming contractors, many of whom lack the necessary capacity, experience, and financial stability to deliver the required work. Several contractors are experiencing cash flow constraints and are unable to meet the extensive subcontracting requirements imposed by the provincial government.”