The delay in repairing roads damaged in the recent rains has angered local residents, as the municipality has yet to permanently fix many potholes.
The delay in repairing roads damaged in the recent rains has angered local residents, as the municipality has yet to permanently fix many potholes.
The winter rain washed away parts of some roads, which are now hindering drivers and pedestrians. The roads in the Joza township were particularly affected by the recent floods.
"The municipality has … filled the potholes with gravel to try and level the road,” explained taxi driver Wongezile Zixaba. “But after two days the road goes back to square one. Especially now after the rains, the water is going to dig up all the gravel,” he said.
Zixaba said that local taxi association Makana Transport Management had decided to strike when President Zuma came to Grahamstown, in order to draw his attention to the condition of the roads they use on a daily basis.
They were, however, persuaded not to strike by the municipality.
“They promised us that they will fix and maintain the roads. They were around to fix some roads the day the president arrived and they were not seen again after that,” he said.
Qondile Bill, secretary of Makana Transport Management, gave his view of the underlying cause of the problem.
“I do not think any proper planning took place when the roads were built in the township. In town you do not have the same problems because there are good drainage systems,” said Bill.
“When the rains are heavy the water floods because of bad drainage. What ends up happening is that our roads get damaged,” Bill said.
According to District Roads Engineer, Marias Kaizer, from the Department of Roads and Transport (DRT), repairing roads in the Makana falls under the responsibility of the Koega Development Corporation.
Kaizer said that a report about the flood damage in Makana had been submitted and registered by the DRT.
“Flood management, repair of flood damage and emergency response is in progress to deal with the effects of the recent rains. Routine management has also been started,” Kaizer said.
