KZN accelerates road repairs ahead of rainy summer season

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31-08-2026
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East Coast Radio Website
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The Injesuthi River Bridge has reopened, while government says more than R14.6 billion in rehabilitation projects are underway.

The KZN Department of Transport and Human Settlements says government is preparing for the province’s rainy summer season amid concerns over communities vulnerable to flooding.

Department spokesperson, Ndabezinhle Sibiya says they are already conducting risk profiles of vulnerable communities.

Sibiya says the department is also accelerating the rehabilitation and upgrading of roads and bridges damaged by recurring floods.

He says they have also reopened the Injesuthi River Bridge, which connects Wartburg and New Hanover under uMshwathi Local Municipality, outside Pietermaritzburg.

“The bridge suffered extensive structural damage after torrential rains triggered flash floods. Three residents from Shiyabazi, an informal settlement located on the river flood plain, were swept away. The reopening of the bridge forms part of ongoing rehabilitation projects committed on the ground amounting to more than R14.6-billion, with anticipated outputs of 5 200 000 square meters over the next MTF period.

“We are focusing on increasing the lifespan of our road network through resealing.”