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SANRAL Offered Assistance To Save Lives On Deadly R75

By

Dear Editor

The R75 between Gqeberha and Kariega has become Nelson Mandela Bay’s most dangerous road, claiming numerous lives over the years due to its unsafe conditions. This critical route, heavily used by tens of thousands of commuters daily, demands urgent attention, as it is unacceptable for motorists to continue facing such deadly circumstances.

In the past, I have written several letters to the CEO of SANRAL, Mr. Reginald Demana, highlighting the issues that have turned the R75 into NMB’s “road of death.”

Through his replies, I have gained a better understanding of the challenges SANRAL faces in maintaining our national road network. However, there are many issues that SANRAL could have addressed with minimal effort.

Some of the issues I highlighted include:

  • Inadequate Maintenance of Guardrails: Many sections of guardrails are damaged and unrepaired, creating significant hazards for motorists.
  • Dangerous Intersections: Several intersections remain unsecured, posing risks to both drivers and pedestrians.
  • Poorly Maintained Road Reserves: Neglected center islands and road reserves contribute to an unsafe driving environment.

For the sake of our residents, the DA is more than ready to collaborate to enhance safety on the R75. To assist in addressing some of SANRAL’s concerns, the DA handed over a memorandum to SANRAL stating that we are willing to take the following actions:

  • Arrange a roundtable meeting with the Acting City Manager, the Roads and Transport Directorate, and SANRAL.
  • Write to the MMC of Roads and Transport to invite SANRAL to present at the standing committee regarding the status quo and challenges faced.
  • Meet with the municipality to secure a commitment for a point person at the Johnson Street intersection during peak traffic hours.
  • Request ongoing roving roadblocks and joint operations involving Traffic Services, SAPS, and the Metro Police.
  • Organise a summit with local private security companies through our Spokesperson for Safety and Security to explore how they can help secure the R75 and its infrastructure.
  • Reach out to companies specialising in high-tech solutions, such as drones, to request immediate assistance.
  • Ensure that the memorandum is brought to the attention of the National and Provincial Departments of Transport.

The time for pointing fingers is in the past. We must now put all differences aside to ensure the safety of our residents is paramount.

Together, we can save lives and work towards making the R75 a safer route for everyone. The DA remains in your corner, fighting for you.

Regards

Retief Odendaal MPL
PE Southwest and Winterhoek Constituency Leader

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