The DA in Limpopo has written to MEC for Public Works, Roads and infrastructure, Ernest Rachoene, to urgently address the terrible state of the R527 road in the Maruleng area.
An oversight inspection of the R527 road from Hoedspruit to the Oaks showed massive breakup of the tar surface on the road. The road, which is key to tourism and farming activities in the area, has been poorly maintained and is now riddled with large potholes that have caused major damage to vehicles and these large, deep potholes have the potential to cause serious accidents, especially during rainy weather when visibility is low. See photos here, here and here.
The R527 is an essential road for all communities in the Maruleng area. It is the only direct link between Hoedspruit and the Oaks. This road services more than 70 000 commuters from the rural areas in Maruleng to Hoedspruit and to the main provincial road in the area, the R40.
A contractor was appointed to do maintenance but it is now clear that the road needs urgent and more comprehensive maintenance. The current patching of potholes is not sufficient as new potholes just appear next to the patched areas.
The R527 is of great economic significance in the area and is vital to the daily livelihoods of residents in Maruleng. The failure to maintain the roads is hampering local economic development and the accessibility of services for residents in surrounding areas and villages.
The terrible condition of the R527 road demonstrates the failure of the Limpopo Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure to provide sufficient provincial road infrastructure for safe road use and the economic development of the province.
The DA cares about the safety of road users and is committed to ensure that residents have access to provincial road infrastructure that is safe and supports economic development and job creation.