No speedy plan to upgrade agricultural roads

For 40 years, residents living in Larch Road, Petit, have watched in dismay as the road has become nothing more than a wasteland, littered with endless potholes.

According to one resident, who wished to remain anonymous, navigating the craters has become an ongoing battle, often leaving motorists to choose between the better of two gaping holes.

“Navigating this road has become an absolute nightmare,” she said.

“It is causing severe damage to our vehicles and many motorists getting stuck. With the rainy season approaching, we fear that the surface will deteriorate so much that we cannot use it.”

According to the City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson, Zweli Dlamini, Larch Road, which stretches over 2.44km, forms part of 36.75km of dirt roads throughout the greater Benoni Agricultural Holdings.

He admits that they have made no budgetary allocations to ‘formalise’ these roads, despite it recording higher traffic volumes.

“There are currently no plans in the foreseeable future to eradicate these dirt roads,” he said.

“The city needs an estimated budget of R10m to formalise a 1km stretch of road. The city does not have the budget to address dirt roads.”

He further explained to upgrade a dirt road, the road first needed to be levelled and trenches dug to accommodate stormwater drainage systems.

“By tarring an existing road without proper preparation will ultimately result in the road collapsing and potholes forming,” said Dlamini.

“The city services dirt roads quarterly by filling holes with sand and getting the roads graded.”
Residents, however, disagree, saying they cannot recall that Larch Road received any attention this year.

“For as long as I can remember, I cannot recall a single instance that I have seen a grader on this road, let alone city employees filling a hole,” she said.

“We try to maintain the road to the best of our ability, but as soon as we fill holes, the surface erodes again. It is worse in summer when all the sand washes downhill.

“They recently tarred Gum Road. I cannot understand how one road can be ‘formalised’, yet they ignore our pleas.”

Dlamini said before the city could consider formalising dirt roads, the issue needed to be included in the Integrated Development Plan (IDP).

“They then hold consultations with the elected ward councillor and their ward committee to establish whether it is a priority,” he said.

“Factors the city considers include whether the road is a major route, road specifications and budget allocations.”

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