R71 Magoebaskloof road repairs face further delays
Motorists face ongoing delays on the R71 Magoebaskloof route while Sanral moves toward the tender phase for urgent road repairs.
TZANEEN – Motorists travelling along the R71 Magoebaskloof pass continue to face frustrating stop-and-go delays as Sanral begins the process of appointing a contractor for essential road repairs.
The busy road over the dangerous pass has been plagued by visible signs of collapse following heavy rainfall earlier this year. The damage has created a serious safety risk for drivers navigating the already treacherous route.
On Monday, Sanral confirmed that the repairs, estimated to cost over R3 million, are still in the early stages.
“For months, stop-and-go measures have been in place to protect motorists,” said Sanral spokesperson Lwando Mahlasela. “While work on the road itself has not yet started, the design phase for the repairs is now complete. We anticipate going out on tender for construction in September.”
Read more: R71 road repairs still months off
Motorists have expressed frustration at the slow pace of repairs, particularly given the road’s reputation for danger. Heavy trucks and buses attempting to navigate the narrow mountain route add to the risk, despite restrictions imposed by authorities.
Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba, who visited the site when the damage first occurred, emphasised that trucks using the pass would face strict enforcement measures.
“This road has always been dangerous. Even without disasters, lives have been lost here,” said Ramathuba. “The Department of Transport will ensure that truck operators comply with the ban, and violators will be held accountable.”
Also read: Limpopo Premier visits site of road collapse on R71
Nonetheless, reports indicate that many trucks continue to use the route, further complicating efforts to keep the road safe.
Sanral engineers were dispatched earlier this year to assess the damage and design an appropriate repair strategy. Until construction begins, routine road maintenance measures and stop-and-go traffic management remain in place to protect the public.
Details of the specific repairs to be carried out have not yet been disclosed, but Sanral has assured the public that updates will follow as soon as they are available.
