ZAMDELA – The potholes are getting patched, the tar is going down, and road machines are finally hard at work.

But instead of everyone celebrating, some Zamdela residents are asking one burning question: Why now, with elections around the corner?

Metsimaholo Local Municipality rolled out its road rehabilitation programme in Zamdela, Sasolburg, on October 14, after receiving road maintenance equipment from Free State MEC for COGTA and Human Settlements, Saki Mokoena.

Executive Mayor Jack Malindi joined the MEC on site, where municipal officials monitored the work as roads were prepared and asphalt laid.

The programme, known as #BekeLeBeke – Re Aha Ditsela Tse Betere, aims to improve road conditions and strengthen the municipality’s ability to maintain its roads.

But while some residents welcomed the much-needed facelift, others questioned the timing, with the November 4 local government elections approaching.

Cynthia Malan said it was absurd for the municipality to publicly announce work that should be done regularly.

She argued that such announcements were only necessary because road maintenance had become the exception rather than the rule.

Thabiso Sello also welcomed the work but suggested that the election season could be behind the sudden activity.

“Good for now because we are heading to elections. We shall see the main objective and outcome of these machines by next year around March,” he said.

Vincent Nkosi Aupa raised another concern, asking what had happened to the 650 students reportedly trained in road repairs through a pothole eradication programme involving the Central University of Technology and the Department of Roads and Transport.

Johan Liversage was even more sceptical, predicting that much of the equipment could disappear or be stolen.

Meanwhile, Alwyn Burger complained that the amount of work being done once in four years appeared aimed at impressing voters.

Thembinkosi Sibisi also welcomed the initiative but said the timing raised questions about whether the municipality was trying to win votes.

Despite the criticism, the municipality says the programme reflects cooperation between provincial and local government to improve infrastructure and make travel easier for residents.

The big question now is whether the newly acquired equipment will keep the roads in shape long after the election campaign is over.