CoE allocates R500k to roads department to fix potholes in 12 wards
The rate at which potholes spread in Alrode still concerns locals. The business hub is in a terrible state, and the ward councillor is also concerned because businesses in the area are affected.
The many large potholes in Alrode and neighbouring areas have caused much worry for motorists and business owners.
The Alberton Record has been in contact with the CoE for more than five years, but most of the feedback said the reason for the prolonged patching of potholes was a lack of finances.
The roads in the area kept deteriorating, resulting in businesses in the hub patching the potholes themselves.
However, according to Clr Samantha Nair, this has caused additional damage. She said some potholes they patched are on top of water leaks, further degrading the roads.
Nonetheless, there seemed to be hope when the CoE’s roads department promised to construct additional roads in the industrial area as part of the 2024/25 fiscal year budget.
The Alberton Record again liaised with the relevant stakeholders about the potholes that seemed to be worsening.
Nair said after her latest communication with the city, she was told the city had allocated funds to the MMC of Transport Planning, Roads and Storm Water, Andile Mngwevu, to help resolve the issue.
“I have been in communication with the MMC. According to him, he was only given R500 000 by the city to patch potholes, paint and maintain the roads of 12 wards. Realistically, this budget is too little to do all of the mentioned duties because Alrode, as a whole, is not in a good state to be harbouring businesses that employ locals,” Nair said.
Most of the business hub roads were supposed to be patched last December, but according to the city, they were not because of heavy rainfall in the month.
“I have lost hope in all of the CoE’s departments because every time I approach them about hard issues in the community, they consistently say they cannot help due to budget constraints,” Nair told the Alberton Record.
Longkloof, Rivett-Carnett, Potgieter, Garfield, Dan Jacobs, and Bosworth streets were among the roads scheduled to be fixed by the end of last December.
The Alberton Record has sent another enquiry on a way forward to all relevant departments. It will be made available as soon as received.
