Work underway to reopen Prince Mhlangana Road

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08-05-2026
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Northglen News
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The embankment above the road began eroding in November last year, with a major collapse occurring in December.

A SECTION of Prince Mhlangana Road could be reopened before the end of May following its closure for several months due to the collapse of an embankment.

This is according to Ward 34 Councillor Andrew Akkers, who requested a progress update from eThekwini Municipality last week.

The embankment above the road began eroding in November last year, with a major collapse occurring around December 18 following heavy rainfall.

The incident resulted in large volumes of soil covering the roadway and damaging infrastructure, including an above-ground sewer pipeline near the Riverhorse Valley Business Estate.

Since then the municipality have been installing Gabion baskets around the pipe to secure the infrastructure and prevent any more of the embankment collapsing on the road.

The collapse has also impacted nearby properties, including a residential complex on Mill Road adjacent to the affected embankment.

The road closure has been the cause of much frustration for residents as Prince Mhlangana Road is a main route through the area.

“The closure has had a significant impact on traffic. Prince Mhlangana Road serves as an important local connector between key routes such as Chris Hani Road, Queen Nandi Drive and surrounding residential areas and the Riverhorse Valley business precinct. While not a primary arterial, it carries substantial daily traffic, and its closure has increased congestion and pressure on alternative routes, particularly Effingham Road and Mill Road,” he said.

Akkers said he also feared for the structural stability of the embankment with heavier rains.

“There is a concern, particularly given the extent of the slope failure and the underlying issues that led to it. This is why a cautious approach is being taken, including legal accountability, engineering assessments, and temporary stabilisation measures before any permanent reconstruction is undertaken. The placement of the Gabion baskets is expected to be completed in the next two weeks. Then the roads and stormwater department will assess the state of the road once the soil is removed,” he said.