The Democratic Alliance is probing ongoing roadworks on the Britstown-De Aar road following repeated complaints from Emthanjeni residents about the road’s dangerous condition despite continuous repairs.
This includes whether the current work is addressing the road’s most urgent needs and whether it is being carried out in accordance with the approved contract and scope.
Residents have raised particular concern about the approximately 10 to 15-kilometre stretch on the outskirts of De Aar, where large potholes and craters remain a serious danger to motorists. In contrast, substantial sections, with little visible damage, are being cut out and repaired.
In some cases, the quality of the repaired road appears worse than its original condition. One section reopened only two weeks ago and has already developed two new potholes, raising concerns about the durability of the repairs, workmanship and materials used.
The DA will submit questions to the MEC for Roads and Public Works to establish the details of the contract, including its value, duration, contractor, approved scope of work, sections identified for repair, technical specifications and quality-control requirements.
We will also seek clarity on why sections that appear to be in a relatively good condition are being extensively cut out while some of the most badly damaged areas remain unrepaired, and whether the work being undertaken is consistent with the approved contract.
For residents who rely on this road, the continued cycle of roadworks without a lasting improvement is increasingly frustrating. Contractors keep returning but motorists are still being forced to navigate dangerous conditions.
It is time that the department accounts for the work being done, proves that public funds are being used for necessary and effective repairs, and explains why the sections posing the severe risk to motorists remain in such poor condition.