MIDDELBURG — The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Steve Tshwete Local Municipality says it will table a motion at the next Council sitting calling for a time-bound plan to fix potholes, accusing the African National Congress (ANC) and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF)-led administration of failing to maintain local roads.
“Proper service delivery for residents is not a favour being done by the municipality. It is paid for by the hard-earned money of our residents,” said DA councillor Deon van der Merwe.
He said residents are being forced to navigate roads that resemble “4x4 courses” despite paying for road maintenance.
“It must be noted that service delivery is non-existent, and this endangers the lives of our residents and visitors,” he said.
Van der Merwe explained that the DA made the findings during recent oversight visits across several wards, where councillors observed a continued decline in road and stormwater infrastructure, along with slow repairs to existing potholes.
“During this oversight, it was clear that there is a lack of maintenance on roads and slow repairs of potholes. The current condition of our roads is a stark symbol of municipal neglect and a blatant disregard for the welfare of residents,” he said.
Van der Merwe warned that deteriorating roads are more than just an inconvenience.
“Accidents are likely to become more frequent, vehicles are damaged daily, and emergency services are delayed due to impassable sections,” he said.
He added that the problem is worsening as the municipality’s population grows, increasing the number of taxis, school buses, pedestrians and private vehicles using local roads.
“The DA finds it concerning that despite multiple complaints and requests for assistance from residents, Steve Tshwete has turned a blind eye to the issues faced on the ground,” van der Merwe said.
The motion to be tabled will call on Council to commit to a time-bound, ward-based plan to address potholes and road maintenance backlogs.
In February, this publication reported on motorists’ frustrations with the state of roads in the municipality.
Following those complaints, the paper sent questions to the municipality to understand the methods used for repairing potholes. The questions included:
· What specific standards does the municipality follow for pothole repairs?
· What systems are in place to ensure repairs meet the required engineering specifications?
· Is weather a significant factor in the formation of potholes, or is it primarily due to ageing roads?
No response had been received at the time of publication.
As the paper awaits an official reply, Mayor Mhlonishwa Masilela said the municipality is addressing the pothole issue through the government’s Letsema programme, which takes place every Friday.
“We are wholeheartedly committed to bridging the service delivery gaps in every ward where these potholes are being repaired,” he said.
