Potholes remain a thorn in the side for residents of Randfontein and suspicions that the Randfontein Local Municipality is cutting costs and using the incorrect material to fix potholes have been confirmed.
This comes after a construction company wrote to the Herald, alleging that despite what the Municipality might say, they are using the wrong material to repair potholes throughout Randfontein, which explains the rapid reappearance of potholes after they have been fixed.
A woman from the company, who wishes not to be named, says that the Municipality is clearly wasting money on its fruitless repair programmes in Randfontein.
“They might fix a pothole today, but tomorrow it will reappear.
“This clearly shows that they have been using the incorrect material and that is why they are not getting rid of these potholes.
“We have been making graded cold asphalt for over 12 years now and we have been addressing various types of repairs ranging from potholes, overlays and surface stripping.
“We also have been assisting various entities and contractors to repair their roads,” says the woman who adds that they have offered to help train the Municipality’s contractors to fix the roads properly – free of charge – but to date there has been no response from the municipality.
The Herald has contacted municipal spokesperson Lucky Chiya who says that he is yet to check with the relevant department which material is used to repair potholes.
Meanwhile, the Herald spoke to local DA ward councilor Evert du Plessis who says that the issue of potholes has been a concern for everyone living and driving in Randfontein for months now.
“We all have the same problem and that’s the ditches we have to live with.
“Our cars are getting damaged and the municipality clearly does not care.
“Everytime we enquire about the repairs we are sent from pillar to post and told that the council does not have the funds to address this.
“If that is the case, then they shouldn’t have told people that a service provider is being appointed to deal with this mess.
“This goes to show that once again, they are pulling wool over eyes.”
The Herald has been trying to get a clear answer on this issue for months now, but the Randfontein Local Municipality has avoided going into detail about this issue.
