POLOKWANE – Three roads in Westenburg will, after more than 20 years’ of requests, be tarred. Construction, currently taking place on Gibbon, Tupai and Vervet Streets, started in mid-August and is expected to be completed by March 2020.
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The community used to protest about having to use the previously gravel road, saying conditions become unbearable when it rains and their vehicles are damaged. They also said there is no proper drainage system on the gravel road which leads to the water overflowing into their yards and houses during the summer months.
One of the Westenburg residents, Sam Ramphele says although the construction is long overdue, he is pleased that it is finally going ahead. He says he was one of the residents whose houses used to be damaged from the water running into his yard.
He says he hopes the quality of the roads currently being constructed will be worth the wait.
Another resident, Peter Mathekga says he has been staying in Westenburg for 26 years and feels the municipality takes longer to respond to the needs of the Westenburg community, compared to those of other areas. “People cannot afford to repair their houses every year after it rains.”
Municipal Spokesperson, Thipa Selala, said the upgrading of the roads is well on track, despite the budget that has to cater for a backlog in terms of the tarring of roads.
“There are still 45 wards that require roads and at the same time, other roads must be upgraded. As soon as the budget is approved, these projects will commence.”
