AfriForum branches warn department to maintain roads

AfriForum’s Vryheid and Paulpietersburg branches sent a letter to the Department of Transport in Vryheid on 9 December warning the department to repair the dangerous potholes on the R33 and R34 roads. This follows endless complaints by organisations and members of the community.

“The R33 from Piet Retief is one of the four main routes to KwaZulu-Natal from the north. The towns on these roads suffer financial losses because residents are considering other routes,” says Eugene van Aswegen, District Coordinator for KwaZulu-Natal.

Heavy trucks transporting coal to Richards Bay further worsen the condition of the roads. Small potholes are left unattended and later become large holes that, in the long run, cost the department more to repair.

“It seems the department only realises its obligation after accidents occur. We cannot accept that the department is unaware of the potholes after so many complaints. Furthermore, there are no warning signs for motorists. This action borders on intentional negligence,” Van Aswegen conclude.

AfriForum requested the department to disclose their repair plans before 15 December 2022 and indicate which roads are earmarked to be rebuilt.

AfriForum will not hesitate to approach the court to force the department to fulfil its obligations.