KwaZulu-Natal’s flood damaged R603, also known as the Mbumbulu Road that links the South Coast with Pietermaritzburg, reopened on Monday following months of extensive repairs to the collapsed corridor.
MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Sipho Hlomuka, and eThekwini mayor Mxolisi Kaunda, officially reopened the R603 in Adams Mission in eThekwini.
The R603 collapsed during the December 2021 floods and one section of the road had to be closed completely.
The route is a strategic link for Amanzimtoti, Illovo, Adams Mission, Mbumbulu, Mid-Illovo and Pietermaritzburg, and is an alternative to the N3, which often experiences heavy congestion due to the upgrades and construction work currently taking place on the highway.
The reconstruction of the damaged section of R603 cost R25 million.
Hlomuka said the reopening of the road will boost local economies.
“This road will restore the local economy and movement of public transport.
We came here a year ago to hand over the contractor, now we have completed the project," Hlomuka said.
