Long-awaited roadworks in Numbi Park have reportedly come to a standstill amid allegations of unpaid suppliers and political interference.

Residents in the affected area are gatvol with the poor condition of the roads, which they believe have reached the end of their lifespan after years of alleged neglect by the City of Mbombela (CoM).

The resurfacing project has stalled because the municipality allegedly failed to pay National Asphalt, the supplier of the asphalt, while disputes over the appointment of local labour have further delayed work.

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This is according to Ken Robertson, a CoM councillor and Lowveld regional leader for the Freedom Front Plus. He described the situation as another example of poor service delivery and maladministration.

“Residents have been complaining about these roads for the past five years. They were hopeful when they were told the project would begin in May, but there has been no visible progress. We have since learned that there are outstanding payments to the asphalt supplier, while political interference regarding local labour has also delayed the project. Unfortunately, it is the residents who continue to suffer,” he said.

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He added that the deteriorating roads have become difficult to drive on and should have been repaired years ago.

Residents echoed the concerns, saying they have lost hope that the roads will be repaired anytime soon.

“We were excited when we heard the roads would finally be resurfaced because most of the tar has worn away and potholes are everywhere. We just want the municipality to complete the project as promised,” said one resident.

The community is calling on the CoM to urgently resolve the reported disputes, settle any outstanding payments, and resume the project to restore Numbi Park’s deteriorating road infrastructure.
CoM spokesperson Joseph Ngala had not responded to Lowvelder’s media enquiries by the time of publication.