Staff Reporter.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube unveiled 55 trucks to improve pothole repair and roads damaged by floods in the province as part of the October Transport Campaign
The procurement of the trucks is part of the commitment made by the Premier in her State of the Province Address, where she committed government to improving the provincial road network conditions.
Dube-Ncube was accompanied by the MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Sipho Hlomuka, and the MEC for Social Development, Nonhlanhla Khoza.
The trucks — fitted with the latest pothole patching technology — will be distributed to all Department of Transport District Offices, in a “fast and effective operation”.
The trucks will comprise a team of nine people, who will be responsible for routine and safety maintenance, including pothole patching, blacktop patching, drain cleaning and verge maintenance, among other duties.
Unveiling the trucks, Dube-Ncube emphasised that the transport sector is the heartbeat of the province’s economy, and crucial in the stimulation of socio-economic development of the nation.
She said during October Transport Month, the province will advance road safety initiatives and highlight several economic empowerment initiatives.
“Under the Department of Transport, over the coming months, the province will ensure that employment intensive road maintenance programmes are increased to provide employment opportunities for more women and the vulnerable in our province. The Zibambele Maintenance Programme will create 41 000 job opportunities,” Dube-Ncube said.
This year’s October Transport Month Campaign is being rolled out under the theme: ‘Siyakha – We are building better infrastructure to grow South Africa together!’
Hlomuka also urged all stakeholders to come together in reducing high accident rates on the roads.
“Safety is the responsibility of everyone. Drivers and pedestrians must obey the road regulations. If you don’t have a driver’s licence or are drunk, don’t drive because due to that we will lose so many innocent lives,” said Hlomuka.