Residents frustrated with another incomplete road project in MLM

BROOKLYN/MAKOSHALA

The Sekhukhune Times has been inundated with complaints from residents of Brooklyn and Makoshala regarding the abandoned construction of an access road linking the two villages in the Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality (MLM).

This contract is worth a whopping R42 Million and was initiated back in May 2025.

Residents alleged they had been inquiring with the MLM, requesting clarity on when construction for the road will be completed, but they were ignored.

There has been no work on the road since the past few months and there is no indication when the project will resume or be completed.

The road construction which stretches from Brooklyn to Makoshala has been abandoned, the contractor has also allegedly left site. 

“We inquired with the municipality and no answer was given as to what is causing the delay in finishing the road,” said resident Thato Makwana.

In the meantime, residents who don’t have an alternative road they can use are forced to drive on an unfinished road.

Residents and road users are complaining about the damage this road is doing to their vehicles.

“The level of incompetence in managing contractors and the work they do seems to be present in both the local and Provincial Government,” complained local residents.

Speaking to the Sekhukhune Times, MLM spokesperson, Thomas Mashabela said the project remains ongoing.

 “Although, we acknowledge that construction work has been delayed due to disruptions caused by uncertain weather conditions in recent months, as well as other factors affecting some of the stakeholders.

“The municipality has fulfilled its contractual obligations with regard to payments due to the service provider in line with the scope of work.

“Following our officials’ continuous physical assessment of the project on-site, the municipality-initiated engagement sessions with the contractor (which are still ongoing) to try to resolve all issues that will allow full construction activities to resume.”

Mashabela said the municipality assures all stakeholders and local residents that efforts are underway to ensure that the project’s implementation continues to yield results and improves access to services and transportation in the area.

He added, “We appeal for patience and cooperation from all stakeholders involved.”