Volunteer fills Hluvukani potholes to keep motorists safe
A Hluvukani man says he will continue repairing the road until authorities take over. Residents have praised his, saying his work has made the route safer.
While many motorists complain about the deteriorating condition of the road between Hluvukani and the Manyeleti Nature Reserve, one community member has decided to take matters into his own hands.
Armed with small stones, G5 material and soil, Elvis Ubisi has been voluntarily filling potholes along the route using nothing more than a wheelbarrow, shovel and pickaxe.
Ubisi said he could no longer watch motorists struggle to navigate the damaged road while waiting for the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality (BLM) to intervene.
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“I decided to repair the potholes after realising that there was no action from the municipality. I saw vehicles being damaged and drivers swerving into the oncoming lane to avoid the potholes. That could easily lead to a serious accident,” he said.
Although he receives no payment for the work, Ubisi said some appreciative motorists occasionally stop to donate money, which helps him buy food for himself and his family.
“I will continue repairing the road until it is restored to its former condition. This road also leads to the famous Manyeleti Nature Reserve, which attracts both local and international tourists. Many visitors are discouraged from returning because of the poor condition of the road,” he said. I call on those responsible to fulfil their duty and repair it properly. For now, I have improved the section I have been working on, and motorists can drive through more safely.”
Regular road user Emotion Mashele praised Ubisi’s selfless efforts, saying his work has made a noticeable difference.
“Anyone who travels this road knows how bad it has become. Some of the potholes are no longer potholes; they become dams whenever it rains. Over the past month, I noticed significant improvements, especially near the bridge before entering Hluvukani. I later discovered it was one man from the community doing all the work,” she said.
Mashele added that Ubisi’s actions prove that one person can make a meaningful difference in a community, and expressed hope that the overwhelming public support he has received will help him secure employment while inspiring others to have a positive impact in their communities.
