Community outcry over deplorable roads conditions in Marishane
MARISHANE
Residents of Marishane Village, particularly from Mašemong Cluster, are up in arms over the deplorable state of the D4264 Road, also known as “Snake Road,” which connects Marishane to Mathapisa Villages in Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality (MLM) Ward 26.
The road is plagued by dangerous sharp turns, numerous potholes, lack of road signage, and no road markings, making it a hazard to drivers and pedestrians alike, contributing to numerous accidents recently.
Residents claim that despite repeated pleas to MLM Mayor, Cllr Merah Mahlase, and their Ward Councillor, Paul Lethuba, the municipality seems to be ignoring the issue.
Alfred Phaahla, a Community Leader, said: “We have been pleading with the Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality to fix this road for years, but they seem to be ignoring our pleas. When we approached them, they told us the road is provincial and the responsibility of Roads Agency Limpopo. However, when we approached the agency, they said they are waiting for a Memorandum of Understanding from Makhuduthamaga Municipality before they can upgrade the road. They are putting us from pillar to post, it is a vicious cycle that is putting lives at risk.”
“The municipality’s inaction is unacceptable, and the community is suffering as a result,” he said.
Phaahla indicated that the community had also expressed concerns about another road, the D4262, which connects Mathapisa to Masehlaneng, which was allegedly abandoned after a tender was awarded to a contractor in 2004 and never completed.
He added that the road’s condition is not only causing accidents but also putting the lives of residents at risk, particularly when ambulances struggle to reach Masehlaneng due to the poor state of the road.
“The D4262 Road has also been neglected. Despite a tender being awarded in 2004, the road remains in a state of disrepair, with only some patchwork done,” explained Phaahla.
He said the community has been promised re-gravelling on the same road, but the process has been slow, and the road remains impassable at times.
“We are calling on Makhuduthamaga Municipality Mayor Mahlase, and our Ward Councillor Lethuba to take immediate action to address the roads conditions. We urge the municipality to work with relevant authorities to fix the roads and ensure the safety of residents. The community needs effective governance and service delivery in rural areas,” he said.
When asked for a response, MLM Spokesperson, Thomas Mashabela, referred the publication to direct enquiries to Roads Agency Limpopo, stating them as relevant authorities for D-roads.
At the time of going to press, the agency’s Spokesperson, Danny Legodi, could not respond to enquiries sent by the paper.
