KwaZulu-Natal invests R424 million to fix pothole-riddled R69
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05-09-2025
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Northern Natal News
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The R69 upgrade tackles 500 potholes per kilometre, improving safety and boosting local economies.
The R69 has the dubious honour of being the most pothole-riddled road in KwaZulu-Natal. Residents have been complaining about the road between Vryheid, Louwsburg and Pongola for years, describing it as the most dangerous road in the province and counting approximately 500 potholes in a single kilometre. The route also serves as a vital link to Swaziland.
At last, however, frustration may soon be a thing of the past. KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport & Human Settlements Siboniso Duma made history on Tuesday with the announcement of a R424-million investment to repair and rehabilitate the R69.
The project was officially welcomed by Inkosi Zulu, who described the investment as a significant step forward for local communities that depend on the road for trade, travel and economic opportunities.
As part of the project, Duma confirmed that R22 million has been set aside for salaries to employ local community members for the road works.
In addition, R76 million has been allocated to benefit locally-owned companies, broken down as follows:
– Women-owned companies: R22.8 million;
– Youth-owned companies: R26.6 million;
– Companies owned by people with disabilities: R3.8 million;
– Military veterans: R7.6 million; and
– Other local businesses: R15.2 million.
Duma said the project is not only about improving infrastructure, but also about empowering communities through economic participation, ensuring that historically disadvantaged groups have a meaningful share in the opportunities created.
The road upgrade is expected to boost mobility, improve safety and support local economic development in the region.
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