Frustration mounts as Chelmsford Road safety concerns persist, despite work being done

Motorists traversing the Normandien/Chelmsford Road continue to face significant challenges due to its deteriorating condition, particularly marked by numerous potholes. The road, once a vital artery for commuters travelling from Normandien to Newcastle or to Ntshingwayo (Chelmsford) Dam, has now become a source of apprehension for many.

In recent months, heightened scrutiny has been directed towards the road as its state has rapidly declined, raising safety concerns.

A January 2024 report by Newcastillian News shed light on the worsening condition, attributing it partly to the operations of a nearby mine and a lack of regular maintenance.

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It’s worth noting that the responsibility for the upkeep of this road falls under the purview of the KZN Department of Transport, rather than the Newcastle Municipality. Despite this, efforts have been made by local officials to address the issue. Councillor Faizel Cassim previously disclosed that the Municipality had submitted a report to the department urging action.

Fast forward three months and considering the state of the road, what progress has been made?

According to local farmer Bertus Pretorius, the Department has initiated remedial work by filling the potholes with concrete. “They began this task last month (March 2024), prioritising the big potholes first,” Pretorius revealed.

However, the pace of the project has been hindered by the road’s poor condition and heavy traffic flow.

Pretorius lamented that the current approach, while commendable, is not yielding optimal results. “They are re-filling many of the holes, it would have been better if they used hot tar mix,” explained Pretorius.

It’s pertinent to note that Pretorius had taken the initiative earlier this year to address some of the road’s issues independently. Despite his efforts, he was advised to await the Department’s intervention. Disheartened by the lack of progress, Pretorius expressed his reluctance to extend further assistance. “Why must I use my money to repair the road, when I pay my taxes,” he said, noting that every time he tried to assist, he was blocked.

While work was being done, albeit at a slow pace, and repair work having to be done on already patched potholes, Pretorius explained it was only a matter of time before someone died along the road.

Considering this, what are your thoughts on the above? Share your views in the comment section. Have you recently travelled the road and what is your take on the work being done?