Petition to get the Department of Transport to Rehabilitate P3-1 from Umzumbe Bridge to the N2

We, the undersigned residents and road users, urgently call on the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport to rehabilitate the 6-kilometre stretch of the R102 (P3-1) from Umzumbe Bridge heading north through Hibberdene to the N2.

Reasons for this Petition:

1. The R102 (P3-1) spans 27 km from Port Shepstone through Hibberdene to the N2.  While the Department is currently rehabilitating the section up to KM 21 (ending at the Umzumbe Bridge), the remaining 6 km — from KM 21 to KM 27 — is being neglected.
2. This neglected stretch is in severe disrepair, making it the worst and most dangerous part of the entire R102.
3. The road is used by heavy interlinked mining trucks from the Umzumbe Mine, contributing significantly to the rapid deterioration of the road surface.
4. The road is corrugated in sections and experiences frequent washaways, which have only been temporarily patched by the local Department of Transport.
5. Portions of the road south of the Mzimay Bridge are collapsing.
6. Recurring and newly formed potholes exacerbate travel conditions and vehicle damage.
7. The road poses a serious safety hazard, especially at night due to the poor surface conditions and lack of visibility.
8. There is no clear justification for why the full 27 km stretch of the R102 is not being rehabilitated.

We therefore petition the Department of Transport to:

• Extend rehabilitation works beyond KM 21 to include KM 21–27, ensuring the full 27 km stretch of the R102 is upgraded and made safe for all road users.