Olievenhoutbosch set for major road shakeup

Olievenhoutbosch is one of the high-priority areas in Tshwane that will benefit from the metro’s newly launched Road Resurfacing Programme for the 2024/25 financial year.

MMC for Roads and Transport Tlangi Mogale recently announced the official commencement of this citywide initiative, which is part of Tshwane’s broader road rehabilitation project aimed at restoring and enhancing the integrity and safety of the metro’s road network.

According to Mogale, investing in road rehabilitation is not just about patching potholes; it is about securing long-term value from the city’s infrastructure assets.

“By resurfacing roads now, the city avoids higher future costs, enhances safety for all road users, reduces vehicle operating costs, and ensures smoother and more efficient transport of people,” she stated.

The MMC recently visited Ward 39 in Soshanguve South on May 8 to officially hand over one of the first resurfacing sites.

“We engaged with the contractor on site, assessed the initial phases of implementation, and reaffirmed the city’s commitment to delivering quality road infrastructure that improves mobility, safety, and service delivery in local communities,” she said.

She mentioned that five contractors have been appointed to execute the programme across regions 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6.

“These include areas such as Ga-Rankuwa, Soshanguve, Mabopane, Winterveldt, Hammanskraal, Lynnwood, Mamelodi, and Olievenhoutbosch.

All these areas have been identified as high-priority due to severe road degradation,” she added.

Mogale also noted that, over time, roads deteriorate due to traffic pressure and exposure to the elements.

These Rehabilitation projects will be rolled out in the following areas;

Soshanguve, Mabopane, Garankuwa, Hammanskral and Olievenhoutbosch are all included🇿🇦

As promised to our residents 🙏🏾🇿🇦 MMC Roads & Transport Tshwane update pic.twitter.com/7uIGrqojaj

— Tlangi Mogale: CoT MMC for Roads&Transport 🇿🇦 (@tlangimich) April 29, 2025

She explained that this ongoing wear and tear leads to cracks, potholes, and surface damage, which not only endangers drivers and pedestrians but also impacts the broader economy.

“Timely intervention through resurfacing helps prevent further deterioration and dramatically extends the lifespan of the road infrastructure.”

The programme, which began in early May, is expected to be completed by the end of June.

The MMC emphasised that the scope of work was scientifically determined using the Pavement Management System, a data-driven tool that assesses road conditions.

She appealed to the public for co-operation during this period, assuring residents that all efforts would be made to minimise disruptions.

For residents of Olievenhoutbosch, the project has been long awaited.

Noluthando Mbengo, who has lived in the area for nearly 10 years, described the state of the roads as a daily struggle and expressed optimism about the programme.

“You can’t drive on some streets without swerving to avoid deep potholes or damaged tar.

@nasiphim @CityTshwane This is was is left of the tar road in olievenhoutbosch Motolo street. Its really getting worse and no one seems to care within the municipality we need assistance here. pic.twitter.com/LqPpK9Dq4I

— Dee (@DinahMo2Kh) January 11, 2025

It’s worse when it rains because water fills the holes, and you never know how deep they are until your car gets stuck,” she said.

“If this resurfacing project really happens the way they’re promising, it will change a lot for people here.”

She added that taxis will not break down as often, children can walk to school safely, and even ambulances will reach homes faster.

Can you please provide a TLB to open a road at olievenhoutbosch ext 60.Exact address sdumo side there has never been a road for ten years. We going under powerlines on the hijacking trail for powerlines yet we are on serviced stands pic.twitter.com/4JTOkYTz31

— Mkumbavathu (@SamboEvidence) February 26, 2025

Nkhosana Sibeko, a local who owned a delivery business, shared his frustrations.

“The roads in Olievenhoutbosch have been a problem for a long time,” he stated.

He stated that he spends a lot of money fixing his delivery van because of the damage.

“If the city is finally serious about fixing the roads properly, it will help businesses like mine a lot. When the roads look bad, people think the area is bad, and that affects all of us,” Sibeko added.

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