De Wagendrift road remains neglected in an appalling state
Groblersdal – The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Limpopo said the dilapidated De Wagendrift Road in Groblersdal is of major concern and posing safety risk to motorists and pedestrians.
The party said it has written to Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure MEC in the Limpopo Province, Nkakareng Rakgoale, to seek her urgent intervention on the appalling state of the road as well as clarity on the department’s plans for the roads restoration.
Risham Maharaj, DA Spokesperson for Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure in the province, said the party intervened in the affairs of the poor state of the road after receiving numerous complaints from residents.
“I undertook an oversight inspection with DA Councillor, Willie Oosthuizen, to assess the state of the road after receiving the numerous complaints. The road is riddled with large potholes, has no road markings and the tar at the sides of the road is breaking up. The road’s poor condition is endangering lives, causing unnecessary accidents and serious damage to vehicles,” he said.
Maharaj emphasized that the De Wagendrift Road connects the N11 with the D198 and is vital to the area’s economy and is used by workers, learners and other community members on a daily basis.
“The De Wagendrift Road is home to various lodges, farms, and other tourist attractions, like hunting farms who have seen a major downturn in business due to the poor condition of this road and may soon lead to job losses or business closures. There is also a school on this road and the safety of learners is also of great concern,” explained Maharaj.
According to Maharaj, during the oversight inspection, residents confirmed that the road has been neglected and has not been maintained for years, despite numerous complaints lodged with both the Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality (EMLM) as well as the Roads Agency Limpopo (RAL).
“The unresponsiveness in addressing the condition of De Wagendrift Road is unacceptable. MEC Rakgoale must prioritise addressing the safety of residents in and around Groblersdal and provide clarity on the department’s plans and timelines for this road’s maintenance,” he said.
Maharaj pointed out that the party cares about the safety of road users and is committed to ensuring that residents have access to a safe, adequate provincial road infrastructure network that supports investment, economic development and job creation in the area.
