WATCH: Angry protesters block N2 highway in Port Edward over poor condition of roads

This follows a protest on June 3, when residents from the area burnt tyres on the N2 affecting traffic between Margate and Port Edward.

Protest action on N2 highway near Port Edward. Picture: GP Security via Facebook

Published Jun 14, 2021

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DURBAN - Hundreds of residents from the KwaNzimakwe area in Port Edward blocked the N2 highway on Monday protesting over the poor condition of the gravel road in the area.

This follows a protest on June 3 in which residents from the area burnt tyres on the N2 affecting traffic between Margate and Port Edward.

Provincial police spokesperson Captain Nqobile Gwala confirmed that protest action erupted in the area of KwaNzimakwe. She said the protesters blockaded the N2.

“About 400 people took to the road in the early hours and used rocks and logs to block the road. The N2 between Munster and Port Edward is currently inaccessible due debris placed on the road. Port Shepstone Public Order Police are monitoring the situation. No damages or injuries reported,” said Gwala on Monday morning.

Ray Nkonyeni Municipality spokesperson Simon April said residents were protesting over the state of the gravel road in the area.

He said the protesters were addressed by the Ray Nkonyeni Municipality mayor Nomusa Mqwebu on June 3, who told the residents that the matter would be referred to the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport.

April said the department had been informed of the matter. He said the protesters had now indicated that they want to be addressed by the MEC for Transport, Peggy Nkonyeni.

Speaking to the Mercury on Monday, Department of Transport spokesperson Kwanele Ncalane said the MEC sent the head of department, Sibusiso Gumbi, together with other senior officials to meet with the community on Friday.

He said the meeting addressed infrastructure issues, the status of current projects and future plans.

Ncalane advised that he would get back to The Mercury with further details on the matter.

As at 4pm on Monday, police said the highway was still inaccessible.

Protest action on N2 highway near Port Edward. Picture: Social Media

Protest action on N2 highway near Port Edward. Picture: Social Media

Protest action on N2 highway near Port Edward. Picture: Social Media

Protest action on N2 highway near Port Edward. Picture: GP Security via Facebook

THE MERCURY

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