eMBALENHLE – The Govan Mbeki municipality in partnership with the Gert Sibande District Municipality raised a significant sum of money to fix roads.
The programme is aimed at eradicating potholes and rehabilitating and maintaining road infrastructure, according to Govan Mbeki Municipality.
Residence are complaining about roads that are not maintained, potholes and unfinished road construction around Govan Mbeki municipality.
Residents said they will be happy if municipality can fix road next to eMbalenhle Mall, claiming that it is difficult for motorists to access the mall’s parking area.
“Pedestrians fight for access with motorists. Some roads do not have stormwater channels and it is a mess. This means poor planning on the part of the municipality, ” said Mr Thabo Mdlolo, a hawker who sells his goods next to the mall.
“It will be better if they can build traffic circles because during peek hours, whether you are a motorists or pedestrian, it is the survival of the fittest,” he said.
Others believe the roads are being fixed because of the coming local government elections.
GMM embarked on a road rehabilitation exercise in Trichardt, Kinross, Secunda, Evander, Lebohang and eMbalenhle on 10 February.
According to residents, the municipality has neglected Albert Luthuli Road where they claim to be a looting spree for tenderpreneurs (entrepreneurs who make money through tenders) because the contractors are often being changed.
Residents said Albert Luthuli Road was better before the municipality appointed contractors which led its state of disarray.
Mr Donald Green, acting head of communication at GMM said general repairs and rehabilitation of other roads will also be done in phases.
He said the municipality is attending to the challenges regarding Abert Luthuli Road in eMbalenhle.
