The safety of motorists and pedestrians using the neglected De Wagendrift road in Groblersdal is at risk due to the dilapidated condition of the road. The DA in Limpopo has written to Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure MEC, Nkakareng Rakgoale for urgent intervention on the appalling state of the road as well as clarity on the department’s plans for the roads restoration.
I undertook an oversight inspection with DA councillor, Willie Oosthuizen, to assess the state of the road after receiving numerous complaints from residents. The De Wagendrift road connects the N11 with the D198 and is vital to the area’s economy and is used by workers, learners and other community members on a daily basis. View photos here, here, here , here and video here.
The road is riddled with large potholes, has no road markings and the tar at the sides of the road is breaking up. The road’s poor condition is endangering lives, causing unnecessary accidents and serious damage to vehicles.
The De Wagendrift road is home to various lodges, farms, and other tourist attractions, like hunting farms who have seen a major downturn in business due to the poor condition of this road and may soon lead to job losses or business closures. There is also a School on this road and the safety of learners is also of great concern.
During the oversight inspection, residents confirmed that this road has been neglected and has not been maintained for years, despite numerous complaints lodged with both the Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality as well as the Roads Agency Limpopo (RAL).
The unresponsiveness in addressing the condition of De Wagendrift road is unacceptable. Rakgoale, must prioritise addressing the safety of residents in and around Groblersdal and provide clarity on the department’s plans and timelines for this road’s maintenance.
The DA cares about the safety of road users and is committed to ensuring that residents have access to a safe, adequate provincial road infrastructure network that supports investment, economic development and job creation in the area.