Crumbling road infrastructure stretches municipal resources to the limit
Grader controversy leaves roads worsening as residents complain about dangerous conditions across Dundee and Glencoe
Unanswered questions surrounding the controversial sale of a municipal grader continue, while road conditions across Endumeni deteriorate.
Road network worsens amid equipment and budget constraints
The grader, funded by the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, arrived in Dundee around 2019 during former mayor Richard Mdluli’s term. It was later auctioned off in 2024 under unclear circumstances.
Councillor Saleem Abdool said a long-awaited report into the matter has still not been released.
Since then, coupled with a shrinking maintenance budget of just 2% of the municipal budget and the absence of a grader, road conditions have worsened significantly.
A private initiative led by Alan Schonken of Sinethemba has provided some relief, following an agreement with the late municipal manager Martin Sithole. However, the scale of the damage has outpaced these efforts.
Residents in both Glencoe and Dundee continue to debate which town has the worst roads.
In Glencoe, streets such as Landdros, Sipres and De Beer are among the hardest hit. Lucy Singh described Sipres Street as dangerous, with motorists often forced to drive on pavements to avoid potholes. Some residents have since placed rocks on pavements to prevent damage to their properties.
In Dundee, roads such as McKenzie Street – between Tandy and Handley streets – have also deteriorated badly, particularly as it serves as a busy route to the hospital.
However, residents say conditions on Colley Street near the intersection, and Wilson Street towards Smith Street, are now even worse.
“Inwoners kla nie meer oor slaggate nie, dit voel nou eerder soos kraters in die paaie,” said one resident.
The situation is worsened by heavy trucks travelling to the Coalfields coal washing plant, further damaging already fragile road surfaces.
One motorist said his vehicle suffered two punctures in a single incident after hitting a deep crater.
Abdool said a roads programme for the Glencoe area has been developed, prioritising high-traffic routes, particularly near schools.
“I am working with Mr Schonken, but the demand is high and resources are limited. We are aware of residents’ concerns and will address them as best we can,” he said.
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