When repairs on the Papkuilsfontein entrance road began in January this year, it came as a relief to many motorists who travelled the potholed road.

However, soon after the top surfaced was scraped and rainfall started, the road repairs stopped with no work being done in three months. Since then the road is a dusty gravel one, with sharp stones protruding.

We asked Umtshezi’s Acting Municipal Manager about what was causing the road repair delay. Elphas Dladla responded on Monday, saying that there is a shortage of asphalt or ‘hotmix’ in KwaZulu-Natal.

“Orders are taking a bit long. We are awaiting the delivery of our hotmix to complete the project,” added Mr Dladla.