Bethal’s infrastructure trampled by coal trucks heading to power stations
In some areas where closing of potholes have been done, all efforts, money and resources used, have been in vain. It is believed that heavy coal trucks using routes that have not been designated to them, is the largest contributing factor.
BETHAL – Organisations such as AfriForum, Business associations and even residents in Bethal have played a huge roll over the years to help close up and tar potholes in many parts of the CBD and residential areas.
The local municipality is not in the financial state to do the much needed repairs on potholes and resurfacing of roads, thus leaving most of Bethal to fend for themselves.
In some areas where closing of potholes have been done, all efforts, money and resources used, have been in vain. It is believed that heavy coal trucks using routes that have not been designated to them, is the largest contributing factor.
A meeting was held on Thursday, 15 October, between representatives from the VF Plus, AfriForum and Eskom, as well as the Ridge Times group editor, to discuss concerns that have been raised by the community and businesses regarding coal trucks not making use of the “identified coal haul routes” to the Tutuka and Majuba power stations.
What prompted the meeting was an email sent to Eskom’s Group chief executive, Mr André de Ruyter, by VF Plus councillor, Ms Aranda Nel-Buitendag, and Mr Jan Van der Spuy, chairman of the VF Plus in Bethal.
The email listed the following concerns:
– Coal trucks driving in town.
– Roads designed for 8-ton trucks and not for 34-ton and upwards.
– No control in insuring coal trucks stay on coal haul route (N17).
– Damages coal trucks cause to water pipe valves, road signs, storm water concrete drain covers, steel safety barriers, curb stones and roads in town.
– Number of coal trucks entering Bethal daily.
– Why the railway line from Tafelkop Ermelo to Majuba Power Station is not being used.
– Even though railway lines had been built, there are still a large number of coal trucks entering Bethal.
All this were brought up in the meeting as well as other concerns such as truckers using residential areas as stop overs, which in turn brings unwanted criminal activity and prostitution.
The matter of coal trucks using alternative routes through town to avoid going through weigh bridges are also a call of concern.
“The coal trucks are a problem and cause of concern. The truckers are sleeping in their trucks in residential areas and park in front of residents’ houses,” said Ms Nel-Buitendag.
She said that when residents confront truck drivers, the drivers become arrogant.
She also said truckers refuse to stop at the designated areas because they become victims of robbery.
“I can understand the truck drivers’ frustration and fear for their own lives, but it is not right that they are stopping in front of houses. They also fear leaving their trucks because of crime.
She went on saying that 1 100 coal trucks enter Bethal daily. About 80 percent of trucks using routes through Bethal are said to be heading for the power station.
“The volume of the trucks are just too high, it is causing damage to infrastructure,” said Ms Nel-Buitendag.
The Ridge Times has reported on several occasions AfriForum’s involvement and contribution towards fixing potholes.
“We have spent half a million rand over the past three years in Bethal alone fixing potholes,” said Mr Hennie Bekker, District Coordinator, Lowveld District AfriForum.
Mr Bekker had explained in previous publications that some roads are in such a bad state that the only means of repair would be to redo the whole road as it would be impossible to patch every pothole.
“Bethal looks bad at night, the trucks are everywhere. They park their trucks and sleep just about everywhere, this is not allowed. There should be an allocated area for these truck drivers to stop at night.”
At the meeting Mr André van Heerden, Manager of Logistics for Eskom, said they will do as much as they can to address these issues.
According to Mr Van Heerden the only approved route for the trucks is the N17 that goes through Bethal.
Only in March 2021 is it expected that the railway will be open. Until then there is no other way but for these amounts of trucks to use the N17 through Bethal.
He assured those in the meeting that the truck drivers will adherer to rules and go through weigh bridges and designated routes.
It was said that most of the trucks are equipped with on-board computers. These will be monitored closely.
