POLOKWANE – Mayor John Mpe has defended his administration’s road maintenance programme, saying prioritising the city’s busiest roads is a deliberate strategy aimed at protecting the local economy rather than favouring particular suburbs or wards.

Speaking during the first council sitting of the 2026/27 financial year last Wednesday, Mpe responded to criticism from opposition councillors, insisting that municipal infrastructure upgrades must follow economic priorities.

“The busy parts of the city are being tarred first because those are the roads that keep the economy going and that get our people to their places of work. It has got nothing to do with which party or who runs which ward,” he said.

Treasury flags service delivery as ‘distressed’

His comments come in the wake of National Treasury’s latest municipal performance indicators assessment report, which paints a mixed picture of the municipality’s performance.

While financial health, financial governance and institutional arrangements were all rated ‘sound’, service delivery was classified as ‘distressed’, with the report highlighting an 80% roads infrastructure backlog and deteriorating road conditions requiring urgent intervention.

Residents have continued to complain about potholes and poorly maintained roads across the city.

Work under way in five suburbs

The municipality this week began road rehabilitation projects in Polokwane Central, Flora Park, Nirvana, Westenburg and Ladanna.

According to a municipal statement, the projects are expected to continue until October 30 and focus on key economic corridors.

Mpe told council that road and stormwater infrastructure had improved during the previous financial year and said commercial routes had been prioritised, with residential areas to follow.

Opposition questions timing and planning

ActionSA’s Polokwane mayoral candidate Thapelo Molepo, however, criticised the city’s approach, arguing that the problem lies not with road rehabilitation itself but with the municipality’s planning.

He questioned why several major roads were closed simultaneously and why work was not scheduled during the winter school holiday when traffic volumes were lower.

“This is not unfortunate timing. It is poor planning,” Molepo said, adding that businesses were being disrupted while learners faced difficulties accessing schools.

‘Neglected communities’ left waiting, says ActionSA

He further criticised the municipality for spending millions resurfacing already-tarred suburban roads while, he claimed, communities such as Moremadi, Thakgalang and Ramathope continue to be neglected.

On July 20, Polokwane Observer submitted questions to municipal spokesperson Thipa Selala regarding budget allocations, the prioritisation of residential roads and plans to address the backlog. No response had been received by the time of publication.