Lack of government intervention forces residents to fix undrivable road
PATANTSWANA
Residents of Patantshwana Village in Nebo, Ward 6 of Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality (MLM) are demanding a tar road.
The locals have expressed growing frustration over what they described as a lack of service delivery, spanning more than 25 years under the ANC leadership.
Community members say the tarred public road, identified as D4287, was earmarked for extension a decade ago, but to date no progress has been made.
The gravel part of the road has reportedly deteriorated significantly over the years, particularly during rainy seasons when flowing water damages the road surface and leaves some sections inaccessible.
The road is joined by D4285 from Leeukraal Ward 5 and Thoto Ward 7, both routes are in a poor state with residents forced to fix them with stones and sand.
According to residents, the poor condition of the D487 road has severely affected transportation in the area, with public transport operators often unable or unwilling to use the route due to safety concerns and road damage.
In an effort to address the worsening situation, concerned citizens held a community initiative on Saturday, 09 May 2026, where households contributed R5.00 each towards repairing the damaged road. Residents then gathered on Monday, 11 May 2026, to carry out repair work, themselves in order to make the road passable for vehicles.
Community members say the initiative reflects the level of desperation among residents who feel abandoned by local government structures. Many residents have also expressed disappointment with both the ward leadership, the MLM, Road Agency Limpopo (RAL) and the Limpopo government, saying they have lost confidence in elected representatives.
With local government elections expected later this year, some residents say they no longer see the importance of voting, arguing that their concerns have repeatedly been ignored, despite years of complaints and unmet promises regarding infrastructure development and service delivery.
This publication, inquired with the MLM communications department, regarding the concerns from the communities. Municipal spokesperson Thomas Mashabela indicated that queries on the ‘D’ roads should be addressed to the provincial government.
Road Agency Limpopo’s Luyanda Sithole was yet to respond at the time of going to print.
