Concerned Dundee resident Hennie Roos has taken it upon himself to repair 121 potholes around the town – stepping in where the municipality has yet to act.

Frustrated by the lack of road maintenance, Roos began collecting donations of essential materials such as sand, stone and cement from community members willing to help. Three generous donors have already contributed but have chosen to remain anonymous.

“The work is going very slowly,” Roos explained. “In the Mpati area alone, I estimate there are about 400 more potholes that need fixing. I still need a lot of donations.”

He has urged residents to support the project not by handing over cash directly, but by donating building materials. On the days when repairs are carried out, volunteers can pay for the labour themselves. “This way, there can be no corruption,” he said, stressing transparency and community involvement.

The initiative is already gaining traction, with donations of stone and sand being delivered and cash contributions made towards labour costs.

Support has also come from council, with Cllr Naresh Gopie praising Roos’s leadership.
“Hennie’s steadfast leadership in addressing the needs of our town – most notably the pothole repairs – has not gone unnoticed,” said Gopie. “Your dedication has made a tangible difference in the safety and quality of life for our residents.”

Roos’s work highlights the pressing issue of neglected infrastructure and the strain it places on communities forced to navigate unsafe roads. His project is a reminder that local solutions can emerge when official channels fail.

Those wishing to contribute can drop off cash donations, in an envelope marked Pothole Project, at Tri Star Garage adjacent to Bala Bala.

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