Roads can take no more
It is an absolute shame the way in which nothing is being done to these roads
LYDENBURG – This town’s roads were never constructed to carry the weight they do.
This is according to a civil engineer; Louis Roodt of the University of Stellenbosch.
Roodt does research in safety engineering, civil engineering and transportation engineering, and gave insight into the ongoing road deterioration caused by long-haul trucks.
Residents have been complaining to Thaba Chweu Local Municipality (TCLM) about the damage these trucks cause. “An alternative route should have been constructed a long time ago. The maximum weight these trucks may carry is 56 tons. The roads in Lydenburg were never meant to carry these loads. They (the roads) are now past the point that it can handle this weight. At the moment the sub-surface is supporting the mass,” said Roodt
He said he has handled various accident reports in town on account of the road conditions. “These roads are obsolete. In my opinion, the mines should also come to the party and help with the repairs of the roads as they are benefitting economically from the use of. At the moment, the community is the only ones carrying the burden of the road conditions in town. The municipality is unfit and unsupportive. It is an absolute shame the way in which nothing is being done to these roads.”
He said Lydenburg’s rescue in earlier years was the fact that the old roads department looked after the roadway, fixing anything as soon as it had to be done. “The municipality can use their equity shares to fix the roads. It is a danger to motorists. Small vehicles and motorbikes could very well tumble over on account of the road surface being worn and hollowed out by the trucks. Unfortunately, no preventative measures are taking place. A reroute should have been implemented years ago.”
He said he visited the town about a year ago. “I don’t know whether things have gotten worse since then, but I would presume so.” Last year Steelburger/Lydenburg News asked TCLM whether they have any plan to reroute the trucks away from town. There was mention made of an alternative route “plan”, but yet nothing came of it.
Below are just some of the responses from readers the newspaper received regarding the matter:
Sbusiso Maphanga: “Thaba Chweu Local Municipality and the mines must engage and come up with a better solution of how to maintain those roads that trucks are driving on. A reroute is not an option because that road will be damaged.”
Raiins Murray: “Yes! Another route would be great. How much worse must these roads get?”
Corrie Van Der Merwe: “In the long term another route would make sense. These roads were not built to carry these trucks.”
Tanya Buys: “The roads in town look terrible. Another route for the trucks is a good idea. Something drastic will have to be done.”
Sone van den Berg Höll: “What happened to the road that was supposed to be constructed for the trucks? Why was the project stopped?”
Kruzelda Human: “Another road for the trucks. They don’t care about forcing you off the road.” Letitia Horn: “Yes, yes, another route would be really great.”
