Gravel roads need attention

MSHOLOZI – Gravel roads in this area continue to be a thorn in the side for motorists and commuters after every rainstorm.

Last week residents from Section C and surrounding areas had to walk long distances to get transport, because taxis could not cross over the eroded and slippery roads to their area.

Residents from other sections were not an exception, as drivers threatened not to take passengers beyond points where the roads were badly damaged.

After every shower, the City of Mbombela Local Municipality provides trucks with soil to re-gravel the damaged road, which is questioned by the locals. Some blame the municipality of only providing temporary solutions. Some added that the action is just meant to misuse government funds without helping the community.

“The municipality’s system of adding soil to the damaged roads is a waste of resources, and constitutes unfruitful expenditure. If the municipality is suffering from a shortage of funds, why are they not using the available money to properly pave the road in smaller portions other than repeating the same system?” says Michael Nkosi, a resident.

Mr Joseph Ngala, spokesperson for the municipality, says gravelling of roads will continue until such a time when the municipality has properly planned the roads in the area.

Read: Formalization of Msholozi continues

Residents invaded the land, which belongs to the National Department of Public Works, in 2008. They were promised their community will be formalised during a community meeting held on June 2014 and in other subsequent meetings. Electricity projects began in February 2017.