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The DA will be writing to the chairperson of the parliamentary portfolio committee on transport to summon the Minister of Transport and the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) to account for the dangerous state of roads in and around Nelson Mandela Bay.

Today, 08 February 2024, I was joined by DA NMB Caucus Leader, Cllr Retief Odendaal, DA EC Spokesperson, Cllr Georgina Faldtman, and DA NMB Spokesperson for Roads and Transport, Cllr Rano Kayser, in conducting an oversight inspection along the hazardous R75 between Gqeberba and Kariega.

There are currently no operational traffic lights and no safe pedestrian crossings along this road. Hundreds of meters of damaged guardrails are also strewn along the route. (see pictures here and here)

This stretch of road is of vital importance to the economy of Nelson Mandela Bay as it is a main route for the transport of goods. Additionally, it is a very important road for the transport of children to and from school and provides access to the city for those seeking employment.

Traffic jams during peak hours negatively impact the jobs of residents and are also the cause of numerous accidents, posing a massive danger to our children.

SANRAL is responsible for the maintenance of the R75, but over the last two years has shown very little interest in performing its duty.

On 15 January 2024 Cllr Odendaal wrote to the CEO of SANRAL, Reginald Demana, to request his urgent intervention before more people are injured or lose their lives. Receipt of his communication was received from SANRAL, but no further feedback has been forthcoming.

Cllr Odendaal will be writing to the Minister to request feedback on the non-responsiveness of the CEO of SANRAL.

I will refer the matter to the DA Shadow Minster of Transport, Dr Chris Hunsinger, who will write to the chairperson of the portfolio committee to request that the Minister and SANRAL is summoned to answer questions on the dangerous state of the R75, and to present plans for the maintenance of national roads affecting Nelson Mandela Bay.

Dr Hunsinger will also be utilising additional parliamentary mechanisms to ensure that this issue is kept on the agenda of parliament.

The DA will do everything in our power to rescue Nelson Mandela Bay and safeguard its residents against this hazardous road of death and destruction. Together we can get Nelson Mandela Bay working again.

Issued by Yusuf Cassim MPL - DA EC Provincial Chairperson