By Celani Sikhakhane
The R2.1-billion KZN collected this year from motor licence fees could be used to fix roads damaged by floods.
This is a proposal from MEC for transport and human settlements, Siboniso Duma.
At a cabinet lekgotla in Durban last week, Duma suggested the money collected for issuing licences should also complete long-delayed road projects and build new roads.
“This money usually goes to the Provincial Treasury for all government departments. I suggest using it to finish old road projects, build new ones in rural areas, and repair roads damaged by floods,” said Duma.
This idea comes after complaints about incomplete road projects due to contractor problems or tender disputes.
For example, it took 13 years to finish a 26km road in Umzimkhulu, started in 2009 after a visit from then-president Thabo Mbeki.
In another case, a road upgrade in the UThukela district, costing R400-million, remains unfinished due to contractor issues.
The P16 road project from Nquthu to Kranskop, started over 10 years ago, is also incomplete.
The Transport Department faces criticism for not repairing roads damaged by floods in 2008 – 14 years before the 2022 floods hit.
Pictured above: MEC for transport and human settlements in KwaZulu-Natal, Siboniso Duma, wants licence fees used to fix roads damaged by floods.
Source: Zandile Shange/Office of the Premier.
