Community near Hazyview demands promised tar road
Community members have complained that the main road in Bongani gets muddy during rainy season, making it unfavourable for users.
The Bongani community situated close to Hazyview is frustrated over the lack development of a tar road leading to the Bongani TB Specialised Hospital from the R538.
Residents said the dirt road gets muddy and dilapidates during rainy season.
They called for the Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport (DPWRT) to implement a road construction project and provide a timeline clear to them of when will the department attend to it.
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Mduduzi Lukhele, a resident, said the delay of the development of the road is not only affecting the community’s access to the hospital, but also broadens negative impact on the local economy. Businesses and residents of Bongani are also affected by the poor road condition.
“It has been approximately five years since we were promised the road is going to be tarred or paved. We are unable to use our cars when it’s raining because it gets muddy,” he said.
“We are tired of waiting. I keep asking myself why they are not keeping their promises because it is affecting our access to the hospital. I have seen patients using public transport being dropped off on the R538 and have to walk down to the hospital while in pain. We understand that there could be budget constraints, but it is the department’s duty to find a way forward.”
Another resident, Advocate Mokoena, said: “We are starting to lose hope since nothing is happening. The hospital is an essential need for the sick and the road needs fixing urgently. We are not asking much from the department, but for them to communicate with us regarding the project’s status.”
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WRT’s spokesperson, Bongani Dhlamini, said the department has no budget for rehabilitation of the road.
“The road is estimated to be 500m long and is currently undergoing a routine of maintenance. Unfortunately, there is no budget for the rehabilitation at this time and we prioritise our projects based on availability of funds,” he said.
