Residents and motorists in Equestria are demanding urgent action as road conditions in the area worsen dramatically.
Nearly 200 potholes have been reported and identified in the neighbourhood, a major headache for motorists.
A trench has also been left open on the corner of Furrow Road and Libertas Avenue for weeks.
The trench, dug for water pipe repairs, has caused significant traffic congestion because approximately three-quarters of the Furrow Road right lane is barricaded.
Motorist Floyd Hermes described road conditions in Equestria as the worst they’ve ever been.
“Along the stretch, both lanes are riddled with potholes, making it nearly impossible to drive or manoeuvre safely,” he said.
Hermes added that motorists are bearing the brunt of the damage, often having to replace tyres and rims.
“At night, if you are unfamiliar with the road, you could easily end up with four flat or damaged tyres. During rainfall, the large potholes fill with water, and many drivers unknowingly hit them, causing serious damage to their vehicles.”
He criticised the municipality for failing its residents.
“We are tax-paying citizens, yet the service we receive is terrible. They can’t keep blaming budgets for not filling potholes or resurfacing roads. We pay our taxes on time, but all we hear is that there’s no money. Where is our money going if they fail to fix a mere pothole?”
Ward 85 councillor Jacqui Uys said the city fails to address the issues of roads in Equestria.
“197 potholes in Equestria have been reported (including Furrow Road).”
Uys said she tried to get the city to specifically address the issue on the corner of Libertas and Furrow.
“This has not been successful, and therefore, I have involved the community in a petition. More than 900 people have signed this petition, and it will be handed in to the council,” she explained.
Uys said the ANC administration seems to be on a service delivery strike, “according to the latest budget spending report, they are underspending on maintenance-related matters, and it is glaring that service delivery is not prioritised”.
Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said the regional maintenance team has all reported complaints on an electronic system, and the team is aware of the backlog in all areas, including Furrow Road.
Mashigo said the city is facing budget constraints to carry out planned maintenance and/or resurfacing.
“Shortage of human capacity and material, as well as the consistent and unprecedented rain till late in the autumn season, has been a deterrent,” he said.
Mashigo said the city has a huge backlog that will only be reduced when the number of new complaints decreases during the winter season.
“The number of new complaints during the festive season and the recent rainy season far outweighs the capacity to repair these potholes,” Mashigo said.
He said in other suburbs, municipal teams are assisted by the community and residents through various channels that are in place to assist in the maintenance of the roads.
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