Ore trucks causing damage to Lydenburg’s roads again
After the implementation of the by-laws and court order, truck activity on Lydenburg's municipal roads was brought to a near halt, however, with the recent refurbishment of several streets in town, the problem has resurfaced.
Residents and local authorities are once again trying to deal with renewed concerns over road damage caused by ore trucks driving through the town – despite a high court order that is still in place.
The issue, which has sparked frustration and safety worries among residents, resurfaced recently as the impact of heavy truck traffic on the town’s infrastructure became increasingly evident.
Lydenburg has long been a hub for mining activities, with ore trucks playing a crucial role in transporting minerals to various processing facilities. However, the heavy loads and frequent movements of these trucks have once again taken a toll on local roads, leaving them riddled with potholes and deteriorating surfaces.
In 2021, truck companies’ drivers were forced to use alternative routes after a court battle in which the Mpumalanga High Court ruled in favour of Thaba Chweu Local Municipality (TCLM), enforcing municipal by-laws to prohibit heavy trucks with a weight in excess of 10 tonnes from driving on municipal roads and making use of the Long Tom Pass.
After the implementation of the by-laws and court order, truck activity on municipal roads was brought to a near halt, however, with the recent refurbishment of several streets in town, the problem has resurfaced.
The DA councillor, Spiros Couvaras, told Steelburger/Lydenburg News that the party has always fought hard to keep the trucks out of town. “Unfortunately there is no enforcement by local and provincial traffic officials. All these trucks are abnormal, meaning they weigh 30 tonnes or more and are, according to law, not allowed to travel on municipal roads.”
Couvaras said truck traffic has increased dramatically over the past couple of months. “The DA will soon be issuing a petition against the trucks and urge residents to sign it as soon as it has been finalised. We would then also like to challenge the big guns of roads and transport in Mpumalanga to come and drive these roads – not with their government issued vehicles, but their personal cars to experience the condition of the roads in Lydenburg.”
He also said that the manner the trucks drive on town roads shows that they have no regard for road safety. “They swerve into the oncoming lane to avoid potholes and vehicles are subsequently forced off
the roads.”
The issue gained traction on social media platforms and local community forums, where residents shared images and videos showing the extent of the road damage caused by the ore trucks. Many expressed frustration over the apparent lack of measures to mitigate the impact
on infrastructure.
Residents said that they understand the importance of mining to the town’s economy, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of the town’s infrastructure.
The newspaper sent though several enquiries to TCLM about the implementation of the by-laws and court order. The newspaper also questioned why no by-law officers are present in town to address the issue.
TCLM did not respond to the
queries posted.
As the dialogue continues, residents remain hopeful that their concerns will be addressed promptly, emphasising the need for sustainable development that balances economic activities with environmental and infrastructural considerations in Lydenburg.
