Potholes can be found on every street and are becoming bigger, deeper and increasingly dangerous for motorists. They are seemingly not being repaired.
Sanley van der Merwe, DA caucus leader and ward councillor, commented that every year a budget is allocated: generally the national treasurer recommends eight per cent allocation towards maintenance and upgrading of existing assets for a local municipality.
However, the city struggles with affordability and therefore budgets are below the norm for this expenditure type.
In the previous years, five per cent was budgeted, but for this financial year (2020/21) it is significantly lower. Budget allocation for the maintenance of roads was cut by almost 50 per cent.
“I believe this was motivated by the financial situation of the municipality. It remains a serious concern.”
She added that the mayor has indicated that an earlier adjustment budget will be called, “but I doubt that this will include an increase on maintenance budgets or any other expenditure types.
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“We will most likely see further cuts across capital and operational budgets considering the municipality’s financial situation.”
Joseph Ngala, spokesperson for the City of Mbombela Local Municipality (CMLM), told Lowvelder that they have a maintenance plan to patch potholes, but the situation gets exacerbated by continued rain, “as we cannot patch them while it is raining”.
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He said he is aware of the problems this causes for motorists. He appealed to residents to “report potholes to the city with a clear location so we may add them to the list and respond accordingly.”
CMLM’s call centre can be reached on 086-162-6623.
