Despite ongoing pothole repairs across the City of Mbombela’s (CoM) suburbs, residents remain dissatisfied with the municipality’s slow progress.

Many residents claim their streets have been ignored before and after the recent rains.
In several areas, work was started but left unfinished. Roads were cut in preparation for repairs, yet the holes were never filled.

Barberton residents feel neglected. With many streets left unattended, some community members have opted to fix the damage themselves.

Fransisca Cook, a resident of Stein Street, said they had to ‘make a plan’ just to enter or exit their own driveways due to massive potholes spanning both lanes.

“All we are asking is for the municipality to repair the potholes and maintain the roads, as we pay rates and taxes,” she said.

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Ruberta van Rooyen shared similar frustrations regarding Tambotie Street. “We had to take matters into our own hands just to get out of our driveways. To say we are gatvol is an understatement. We just want the municipality to do its job; repair the potholes and maintain the infrastructure. It is not fair that residents must spend their own money while still paying for municipal services.”

Sadiya Mansoor Cassim said that since Barberton has been under the CoM, service delivery has plummeted.

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“From the entrance of Barberton, through to the main road in town, the situation is pathetic. There are potholes everywhere. Furthermore, our water is shut off every single day around 16:00, without notice, and only comes back on after 05:00 the next morning. This has happened without fail for six years, yet our accounts show no difference; we are still paying an arm and a leg.”

In response to these grievances, municipal spokesperson, Joseph Ngala, stated that the City is aware of the issues in Barberton. To address them, the executive mayor, Sibongile Makushe-Mazibuko, is launching a Service Delivery Drive in the area.

“We have taken stock of all the potholes requiring immediate attention, as well as the malfunctioning street and traffic lights. The campaign will also include grass cutting, clearing illegal dumping, litter removal and road regraveling. These issues will not only be addressed during the drive, but will be part of an ongoing effort to ensure services are delivered,” Ngala promised.

The formal maintenance programme is scheduled to begin on March 9.