The DA has written to the MEC for Public Works, Roads and infrastructure, Nkakareng Rakgaole, to urgently address the unacceptable dilapidated state of the D1235 road to Northam and for clarity on the progress of the upgrading (gravel to tar) of road P20/2, D1234, D869,D1309 and D2702 from Koedoekop to Northam to Dwaalboom.
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The D1235 road that leads into Northam has been poorly maintained, is riddled with large potholes that have damaged vehicles, caused accidents and in some instances has led to the loss of life. This road also has large stretches with no road markings or stop signs and is currently not safe to drive on.
The D1235 is also of key economic significance to the major economic activities of Northam. The road is used by the three large platinum mines in the area, a cement production plant as well as the many commercial farmers in the areas. The road is also used by tourists visiting the area, learners that attend school in Koedoeskop, residents and workers from the surrounding areas using the road for their daily commute.
The Northam area has also been affected by the abandoned project to the upgrade (gravel to tar) of road P20/2, D1234, D869, D1309 and D2702 from Koedoekop to Northam to Dwaalboom. The multi-year project that was expected to upgrade 52 km (plus 8.2 km of rehabilitation of existing surfaced roads) started in 2016 and was expected to be completed by 2018 but has seemingly been abandoned.
It is clear that the D1235 is in a terrible state of decay and is just another example of the Road agency Limpopo’s (RAL) failure to maintain Limpopo’s vast road infrastructure. In 2019, there were already claims worth over R118 million against the Limpopo Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure as well as its entity, RAL. These types of liabilities on the department could be avoided if more effort is made to maintain roads in a good condition before they reach a stage of disrepair.
In Northam the failure to maintain the D1235 road, the main road that links the town with the rest of the province is unacceptable and detrimental to local economic development in the area. The road is in such a poor state that it needs to be rehabilitated, but MEC Rakgaole must ensure this road is also included in “Operation Thiba Mekoti Ditseleng” aimed at fast tracking the patching of potholes as an interim measure.
The DA cares about the safety of road users and is committed to ensuring the provision of a safe, quality provincial road infrastructure network that stimulates economic recovery and job opportunities for the people of Limpopo.