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Ongoing oversight by the DA in KwaZulu-Natal has recently highlighted the ANC-run government’s complete failure to secure key tourism routes and fix critical road infrastructure within the province.

Severely damaged more than a year ago during the April 2022 floods, the M4 bridge linking Ballito to Durban and the King Shaka Airport remains a deserted and unfinished project. 

Meant to be a vital connection between the eThekwini and KwaDukuza municipalities, the DA oversight has revealed an apparent stalling in construction and repairs.

No construction or engineering crews were observed during our inspection, while the M4 is fast being reclaimed by vegetation and trees. Compounding the situation is the major civil engineering construction time the project may take. This has left the public with no alternative than to pay N2 toll fees or risk their lives on the potholed R102.

Basic economic and tourism principles dictate that road infrastructure and easy access are cornerstones of boosting visitor numbers - particularly international guests - to a region. The unacceptable delay in repairing this bridge is yet another example of this ANC-run governments lack of agility and organisation.

The DA raised the M4 debacle during the recent provincial budget debates. We will now take the matter to national parliament and to the relevant KZN MECs and will insist on full progress reports and expedited plans.

Already suffering under the whip of inflation and high food costs - the people of our province and business cannot afford to suffer further inconvenience and revenue loss due to a delayed and inept government.

Issued by Haseena Ismail and Heinz de Boer and Sharon Hoosen -