Rising anger over crumbling roads and heavy dust has prompted Mbombela business owners to accuse the municipality of failing to deliver permanent repairs.

Lowvelder previously reported on the deteriorating roads affecting businesses in the area, but owners say little has changed.

Despite repeated appeals for road rehabilitation, businesses claim the municipality continues filling potholes with soil – a temporary measure they say creates an even bigger problem.

Recent rains have washed away much of the soil, exposing the potholes once again and leaving sections of the road in an increasingly deteriorated state.

Business owners say the cycle is frustrating: Potholes are filled with soil, vehicles drive over the loose material, dust blankets nearby businesses and workers, and the next rainfall washes the material away.

ALSO READ: Dust and decaying roads threaten Mbombela businesses

Soil fixes wash away after rain

Peter Esquino said the condition of the roads was unacceptable, particularly given the area’s importance as a commercial hub.

“When it rains, the potholes are filled with water, and once the rain stops, the potholes are bigger. The road is just a mess. Filling the potholes with soil is not solving the problem; it is making it worse,” said Esquino.

“Louis Trichardt Street needs to be completely rebuilt. Simply filling potholes is not a solution. This area is home to many businesses and serves as one of the exit routes for Buscor buses from the nearby bus terminal. It deserves proper infrastructure.”

Dust forces workers to wear masks

For workers in the area, the problem goes beyond inconvenience.

“We work here every day and are forced to inhale the dust from the street. Sometimes we have to wear masks, but that is not ideal,” said Tricia Khumala.

ALSO READ: Bosch Street businesses gatvol with potholes and broken lights

“We are approaching summer, and the situation is going to get worse. We are asking the municipality, on behalf of the workers and our employers, to revamp the road.”

Businesses fear that without proper rehabilitation, the situation will continue to deteriorate, affecting not only workers but also customers, deliveries and the overall appearance of the commercial area.

They are calling on the municipality to stop relying on temporary soil repairs and instead implement a permanent road-rehabilitation solution using appropriate materials.

Municipality fails to respond

Lowvelder approached City of Mbombela spokesperson Joseph Ngala for comment on the state of the streets, asking whether the municipality has plans and funding to permanently rehabilitate them. He had not responded by the time of publication.