Executive Mayor of Nkangala District, Cllr Speedy Mashilo said in an interview on Monday, February 10, that even he is shocked by the state of the roads in the municipality.
Cllr Mashilo said Nkangala District is committed to fixing the problem.
“We must be held responsible. Infrastructure is the basis of any economy and we have to guard against it deteriorating,” he said.
Cllr Mashilo said there are several aspects that played a role in the worsening of the pothole-problem.
He mentioned old infrastructure, mismanagement, Mother Nature, a lack of skills and the biggest culprit of them all, heavy vehicles.
“The days of heavy vehicles using municipal roads to avoid toll roads are numbered. Heavy vehicles damaging the roads in eMalahleni will no longer be tolerated.”
Cllr Mashilo said notice boards will soon be erected at the main streets leading to the city prohibiting heavy vehicles from entering.
He said he will be using the local law enforcement unit to make himself clear, as heavy fines will be imposed on companies who are found to be using municipal roads. Only vehicles used for deliveries will be allowed using the roads.
A contractor was appointed as an emergency measure to patch potholes in the main routes in the city.
