After years of ongoing frustration and no response from government authorities, residents of Welverdiend have started repairing the town’s damaged main road on their own.

Locals say the main road through Welverdiend, especially 10th Avenue and Station Street, has become nearly unusable due to massive potholes and erosion. The road is part of a provincial route and is frequently used by heavy trucks, which residents believe divert from the N12 to avoid weighbridge fines, opting instead to use the route via the N14.

The entrance to the town, particularly the section over the railway tracks, has deteriorated so badly that the tar surface has completely eroded. Some homeowners in Station Street fear that trucks swerving to dodge potholes could crash into their houses.

Despite numerous complaints, petitions, and letters to both the Gauteng Roads Department and Merafong City Local Municipality, no action has been taken. Local councillor Tollie Lubbe confirmed that efforts to reach the authorities, including contacting the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, have all been ignored.

“This is not about politics,” said Lubbe. “All residents are doing what they can. People like Daniel, Sandra and Kobus Willemse took the lead and started fixing the road this week.”

Residents began work at the lower end of town, where the road is slightly better, and plan to work their way up. The initiative is expected to be a long-term community-driven project due to the severe damage.

Anyone interested in donating materials like cement or lending a hand can contact Tollie Lubbe directly at 082 408 9478.

The people of Welverdiend are proving that community action can step in where the government fails — one pothole at a time.