POLOKWANE – Potholes and the dangers they pose have been a constant concern for residents of the city over the years.
Recent heavy rains have made matters worse and residents previously told Review that Polokwane Municipality’s slow progress and poor workmanship on fixing these potholes as well as gravel roads on the outskirts of the city which have become inaccessible, only compound the problem.
At the time, Municipal Communications Manager, Matshidisho Mothapo, acknowledged that flooding across the municipal area was a reality, and that an assessment was ongoing. “Once this is concluded, a plan of action will be implemented,” he said.
Review has, in the meantime, sourced a municipal work plan, that shows the municipality’s intention to address issues of road maintenance over the next few months, focusing on both the city and rural areas under the municipality’s jurisdiction. The plan focuses on pothole repairs, the grading of roads, maintenance of storm water infrastructure and road markings.
According to a statement by Municipal Spokesperson, Thipa Selala, work is progressing in terms of responding to potholes and to areas with long grass in various areas of the Polokwane Municipality.
“The municipality has put efforts in place in repairing potholes and cutting long grass to ensure that roads and the environment are restored to their good condition,” Selala explained.
He added that special focus has been put on cutting grass in crime hotspot areas.