Gamalakhe residents upset at poor state of road

Concerned residents of KwaXaba, Gamalakhe in Ward 27 have questioned why Mqoqi Mthethwa Road is not being graded while other roads in the ward are being rehabilitated.

The residents said the road is in a bad state and during rain bakery vans and cars get stuck in potholes.

Makhosi Nzama who lives in the area said her husband and her have made efforts to speak to the ward councillor, Mdumiseni Cele, however all communication has failed.

“Photos have been sent to the councillor and he failed to explain in order for us as a concerned community to assist him where there are obstacles.”

Councillor Cele said the community has to understand that some roads are being maintained by the municipality and others by the Department of Transport.

“The roads which were recently graded belong to the department. Those of the municipality are currently being done, however as a result of the municipality having limited resources each ward is allocated a grader for only three days in a month.

“In Ward 27 we have three areas, which are all rural; Nositha, KwaXaba and Mgolombe. On these three days we allocate a TLB to do a few roads in each area per day,” Cele explained.

He said Mqoqi Mthethwa Road needs to be covered in quarry which has been budgeted for. “If we grade the road it will expose water pipes and cause further damage. I cannot say when we will get the quarry, however it will be done and residents are urged to be patient.”

Nzama said the budget is no excuse as part of the same road is graded.

“Is he saying that half the budget has been earmarked for that half of the road,” Nzama questioned further.

Cllr Cele said residents have to also understand that service delivery in rural areas is not the same as that of ratepaying areas.

He urged residents to attend community meetings as such matters are addressed in the meetings.

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