Decaying roads cause a ‘hole’ lot of damage

Scores of motorists have found themselves out of pocket due to the poor condition of Brakpan’s roads.

Potholes along some of the town’s busiest routes such as Athlone Avenue in Dalview, Heidelberg Road (R23) and Prince George Avenue, as well as other roads have seen motorists having to fork out extra money for damaged tyres and vehicles.

Many motorists have fallen victim to the potholes along Athlone Avenue, which carries large amounts of traffic in and out of town.

The potholes are not visible at night during load-shedding, and increased amounts of rain, which fills the holes with water exacerbate the problem as motorists are unable to see them.

After receiving numerous complaints, the chairperson of the Brakpan Town Committee, William Douglas took it upon himself to buy 10 bags of CPR (Complete Pothole Repair) and managed to fill two and a half potholes along Athlone Avenue.

This was done on December 23 with some help from bystanders. The complaints about the potholes have also been raised with Brakpan’s ward councillors, who are equally concerned with residents about the deteriorating road maintenance.

“The town has always, like any other, had challenges with road maintenance but it has never been as out of hand as it currently is,” said Ward 97 Clr Brandon Pretorius.

“Before the end of 2022 we reported as a collective to our local roads department our concerns over the general road maintenance but then also specifically referred to the potholes on Athlone Avenue as it is one of our main roads leading in and out of our town.

“I myself have been with the residents of Germains Street pleading with the roads department for assistance on long outstanding road maintenance without any luck, this being just one of the many examples.

“We have, however, not let our efforts come to nothing and have been consistently pushing for assistance through all levels of reporting.”

Pretorius told the Herald the department started pothole repairs along Athlone Avenue on Monday.

“We appreciate the department’s response in this regard as schools are reopening and we expect road traffic to see an increase but we are not going to let our roads fall apart due to what seems to be the mismanagement of this department.”

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Pretorius stated a meeting has been arranged with the Brakpan depot manager for this week, the outcome of which will be shared with the community.

“MMC for Transport Ald Mabekenyane Thamahane will also be attending to discuss some of our concerns and the way forward. One of the crucial topics up for discussion will be the fact that our contractor appointed to assist

Brakpan with road maintenance seems to have disappeared,” said Pretorius.

“Potholes across the town have been marked for repairs since last year but nothing has happened.

“As councillors, we have been inundated with calls from residents demanding assistance for their vehicles about them being victims of pothole damage.

“I urge residents not to be demotivated to complete claim forms and would suggest if any resident needs assistance to contact our local customer care centre or contact any of the councillors for assistance.”