‘Worst road in the province’
The R555 to Eerstegeluk is arguably the worst road in the province
LIMPOPO – This is the opinion of several locals in the area, several of whom have complained to Capricorn Voice over the span of the last three years.
“We are fed up with this road. For years we have complained to the local municipality and provincial government, but nothing has been done.”
Residents said they preferred the gravel road over the current “tarred” one.
“There is not even tar on the road. The authorities might just as well remove everything and leave it a gravel road. We fix our cars’ suspensions, tyres and shock absorbers every month,” some motorists complained.
A taxi driver, Paul Khoza said it was disappointing how leaders would “brag about how government cares” when the road is in such poor condition.
“It’s a nightmare living in the Long Tom area. Taxi drivers sometimes refuse to drive on this road. We have to walk long distances to the R555 to catch a taxi,” a taxi commuter vented.
Locals added their area was now a high accident zone.
“The potholes are a danger. Motorists have to swerve into oncoming traffic to avoid it.”
Ironically, the Greater Tubatse Municipality (GTM) mayor, Ralepane Mamekoa uses the damaged road daily to commute to work.
“We wonder how he feels when driving on this road. I bet he feels comfortable, because he would have ensured that it’s fixed had he been uncomfortable. Maybe the big cars he uses are comfortable,” they said.
Municipal spokesperson, Thabiso Mokoena, said the R555 is a provincial road and therefore not their responsibility.
“We only service the inner roads in our communities.”
CV had not received feedback from stakeholders in this regard by the time of going to press.
