Rain and mud pose a challenge at roadworks

BADFONTEIN – An unexpected cloud burst and the overwatering of the detour dirt road currently being used while the R36 Badfontein is being repaired, led to chaos on Saturday morning.

According to Ms Ann Wilson of the Cowshed Wedding Venue, three trucks got stuck in the mud on this road on Friday.

“The result is that on Saturday morning vehicles and trucks had to make use of the Rietfontein/Rustenburg secondary road as alternative. According to by-laws these trucks are not allowed to drive on secondary roads.”

Wilson said although the community in Badfontein was grateful that the road was being repaired, it would seem that the project was not managed well. “The first section of the road had to be repaired by May. It is almost August now and they still have not completed the first phase.”

She alleged that because of several complaints by farmers and residents, the contractors had changed their numbers and could not be reached.

“We’ve got a business to run. I advise my clients to rather make use of the Dullstroom/Coromandel route when they are travelling to the venue.The road is a huge worry. Trucks speed on it. I used to walk my dogs along the road and cannot do it anymore while repairs are taking place.”

Wilson said she was also worried about the safety of her guests while the reconstruction was taking place.

“No one is interested in helping and regulating traffic on the road. It needs to be fixed as soon as possible.”

The newspaper tried to contact the project leader responsible for the construction of the roads, Ms Vanessa Kekana. Her phone was, however, switched off. Steelburger/Lydenburg News left her a message to contact it with regard to the project.

By the time of going to print, Kekana had not responded. The newspaper also sent queries to the Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport. No response was received regarding queries about the ongoing project.