Durban's Upper Highway residents rally for urgent repairs to Inanda Road
Frustrated Upper Highway residents will only get a reprieve from a pothole-damaged Inanda Road P255 once a road rehabilitation project kicks in from January 2026.
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport (DoT), in its presentation to the residents recently, stated that the implementation of the road rehabilitation project will occur under a three-year maintenance contract beginning January 2026. This contract includes reflective studs, road markings, and signage for enhanced night visibility.
Bruce Henderson, the chairperson of the Upper Highway Ratepayers and Residents Association, said they sent a petition to the department in the first week of November 2025, requesting urgent safety measures on the Inanda Road corridor between Brakenhill/Inanda Road and Molweni. Approximately 5,700 signatures had been collected for the petition.
The petition stated that commuters face hazardous conditions due to potholes, flood damage, inadequate lighting, and poor visibility at critical points.
Henderson said the petition represents a united call from residents for urgent, long-term interventions to restore safety and dignity to the transport link connecting Crestholme, Waterfall, and Molweni.
“These upgrades are essential as Inanda Road serves as the primary access route for thousands of residents, workers, learners, and vehicles. The alternative route via what is called ‘the splash’ is narrow, flood-prone, and unsafe, further emphasising the urgent need for a permanent solution,” Henderson said.
The community requested:
- A complete resurfacing of the remaining section of P255.
- Reflective road studs on corners and high-risk areas.
- Reinstated streetlights and improved sun-blocking signage at the blind spots.
- Continuous maintenance of the P255.
Dumisa Mbeje, of the Molweni/Wyebank Taxi Association, supported the petition and also called for more drop-off points along Inanda Road.
In response to the residents at a recent meeting with the department, it said there is a province-wide backlog and a limited budget.
However, the DoT stated that it has projects that are currently under way in the same area.
These include:
- R360 million rehabilitation project for Road P259 (Ward 9),
- R88 million for road D435 (Ward 103),
- R50 million for road P559 (Ward 15).
The department responded to several resident concerns. Regarding streetlighting, it stated that this falls under the eThekwini Municipality, and the issue will be escalated to them for consideration.
For sun-blocking signage, DoT engineering services will assess the situation. If deemed necessary, the signage will be implemented under the existing maintenance contract.
To ensure continuous road upkeep, the department has put in place a three-year routine maintenance contract. This contract ensures that maintenance teams will promptly address all defects and safety concerns.
The DoT also noted that the upgrading of the road in the Shongweni vicinity, which includes Kassier Road, was completed through a partnership with the eThekwini Municipality.
zainul.dawood@inl.co.za