The deteriorating state of roads in Estcourt is a service delivery concern that has been plaguing locals for many years.
For some residents, it seems that the local municipality’s plan for pothole patching and road repairs is often fraught with empty promises.
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One such person with this view is Dumisani Mkhize, an educator who travels along Albert Street daily.
He says this road is riddled with potholes and calls it a “hazard”.
“Albert Street is very busy, especially in the mornings and afternoons. The road at the intersection of Shepstone Avenue is so badly damaged that sometimes we have no option but to drive over the potholes and risk damage to our cars because there are other vehicles in the fast lane. This can be very dangerous,” explains Mr Mkhize.
He says the road surface on this busy entry and exit route has been damaged for over a year now.
“To make matters worse, there are pieces along this road that have been dug up for what looks like water pipe repairs and have not been covered up yet,” he adds.
In July, Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality released its plan for pothole patching, road rehabilitation and fixing of collapsed drains. Albert Street was listed as one of the roads included in this plan.
“I will only believe it when I see it,” answers Mr Mkhize when told of the road repair plan. We are always told that the municipality will be fixing the roads, but there is not much evidence of it. Look at the roads in town; they are terrible. In the residential areas, we have the same problems. Forderville is the worst. In some streets, it is better to drive on the pavement,” comments Mr Mkhize.
He points out that the roads in Estcourt and surrounding areas have been left neglected for far too long.
“In some streets, what started as a small hole is now a huge pothole. If the municipality attended to the roads timeously, we would not be experiencing half of the problems we are now,” he fumes.
Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality was requested to provide feedback on their road repair plan.
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