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The Democratic Alliance (DA) expresses its grave concern over the ongoing neglect of law enforcement by the Msunduzi Municipality, which has had tragic consequences, as evidenced by the recent accident on Howick Road.

On the afternoon of November 01, the Ward 25 community was traumatized when a heavy-duty double trailer tipper truck lost control on Howick Road, destroying concrete fences of two properties, hitting stationary vehicles, and ultimately crashing into a residence. The front cabin and leading trailer of the truck penetrated the household, causing the structure to collapse.

Tragically, this incident resulted in the death of a passenger and left the driver critically injured, necessitating urgent hospitalization. While we mourn the loss of life and injury sustained, we are relieved that a local woman and her three-year-old child miraculously avoided harm.

The repeated warnings and pleas to the city's leadership to take preemptive measures to prevent such tragedies have been ignored, and we now face the devastating reality of loss of life—a price too steep for inaction. The destruction of infrastructure and preventable accidents must be urgently addressed by all stakeholders.

In July, the DA convened meetings with relevant parties at the Harry Gwala Stadium to discuss the diversion of trucks from the N3 onto local residential roads via the Peter Brown off-ramp. Representatives from the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) and the DA-led uMngeni Municipality Traffic Department attended. However, the absence of the Msunduzi Municipality was noted with significant concern, especially as they failed to submit an apology or explanation.

The lackadaisical attitude of the Msunduzi Municipality towards public safety and infrastructure protection is unacceptable. The persistent use of residential roads by heavy trucks without the deterrence of municipal law enforcement is a risk that residents cannot continue to bear.

The DA demands that the Msunduzi City Manager assume full accountability for this catastrophic incident. We urge the City Manager and the Mayor to introduce immediate measures to halt the redirection of trucks through residential areas.

Our community cannot remain idle amidst the recurring fatalities and destruction on our roads. We expect prompt action from the Mayor's office.

Issued by Councillor Reggie Khanyile - DA Msunduzi Councillor