Motorists are urged to drive cautiously on the Bethal-Kriel R545 as roadworks continue following fresh setbacks caused by heavy rain and drainage problems.

The resurfaced section of the road, done more than three weeks ago, has deteriorated again after recent downpours washed away tar and reopened large potholes across the roadway.

According to the Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport, underground water ingress linked to blocked stormwater infrastructure contributed to the damage.

Department spokesperson Bongani Dhlamini said blocked stormwater pipes prevented proper runoff, causing water to collect on and around the road surface.

“The blocked stormwater infrastructure limits the effective discharge of runoff, causing water to accumulate within and adjacent to the roadway,” said Dhlamini.

He explained that standing water and moisture infiltration weakened the pavement layers and underlying materials, leading to the road failure.

The road construction project falls under Molatebo Construction, with expenditure on this specific stretch amounting to almost R8.4m.

Dhlamini said the project has not yet been signed off as complete because drainage works are still outstanding.

“The immediate plan is for the contractor to rework the affected section, and site instruction has been issued by the engineer,” he said.

He added that the contractor remains on site and that work is still in progress. The condition of the road, however, has become increasingly frustrating for daily road users.

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During an observation by Ridge Times, traffic was brought to a standstill as motorists and heavy trucks attempted to navigate around potholes by using both lanes.

A local farmer, who wished not to be named, said the deteriorating road conditions have forced him to make use of alternative access routes to and from his farm.

“We have had to use other access roads to my farm as the problem is near my turnoff,” said the farmer.

The farmer said he had recently noticed excavation machinery and concrete drainage pipes being delivered to the site for installation.

“There are thousands of trucks that go down this road monthly.

“The road has been fixed once since I have been on this farm. For such an old road, it is actually fantastic to think what it is carrying,” he said.

He added that he has witnessed numerous vehicles and trucks becoming stuck along the damaged stretch over the years.

“My concern has been for so long that I am not concerned anymore. It has become a daily part of life,” the farmer said.

He also questioned the quality of the repairs being undertaken.

“I don’t think this will be resolved. The work was started wrong, and I doubt it would last, no matter what they do. The foundation of the road has not been repaired properly,” he said.