Pothole-riddled road takes a toll on Bedfordview business
She said parents have started to raise concerns about the damage the potholes are causing to their cars, especially when it rains.
Local business owner, Debbie Goatcher, said the pothole-riddled road at the Ben Rhydding place is impacting their livelihood.
The owner of the Rainbow Nursery School said in the 19 years of their existence, the road has become worse.
She said parents have started to raise concerns about the damage the potholes are causing to their cars, especially when it rains.
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She also recently had her tyres changed after hitting one of the potholes by the school’s gate.
While some efforts have been made in the past to address the matter, it appears that the problem is worsening, putting businesses, drivers, and pedestrians at risk.
“It is frustrating to live in this country. Infrastructure is either collapsing or being stolen.
“I have been reporting since 2023, but each time the matter is closed without a visit to the site or any feedback,” she said.
Adding that the recent rains have worsened the situation.
“When it rains you can’t even see the potholes, and when you drive into them, it’s a hazard for everyone.
“Though local initiatives are filling in the potholes, they can’t do everything by themselves. What is our municipality doing to maintain our roads?” asked Goatcher.
“I’m at my wits end with nobody to assist. A lot of parents are complaining and the number of our learners has dropped.
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I can’t say for certain if it’s only because of the roads, but it doesn’t help when new parents come in and see the condition of the area.
I mean our rates and taxes are as high in the area as it is,” she explained.
Goatcher said they managed to get a quote as a means to try fix the problem but they simply do not have about R60 000 to R80 000 to fix the potholes.
She pointed out that the road deterioration is spreading to other roads nearby.
“The lack of effective maintenance and repairs is putting more pressure on already strained resources, particularly for small business owners who rely on safe roads for daily operations.”
At the time of going to print the CoE had not responded to our media enquiry.
