Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Sesotho soundbites by Jafta Mokoena MPL with pictures here, and here
The Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomes the recent oversight visits to key road projects by the joint committees on Roads, Public Works, Infrastructure, and Social Services in the Free State Legislature. These visits helped to assess the dire state of roads on some critical routes in the province.
The R26 between Hobhouse and Ladybrand and the R709 between Tweespruit and Excelsior are equally in a dangerous condition. The R26 is particularly riddled with potholes and poses significant danger to the people who have no alternative but to drive on it.
The DA notes the willingness of the farming community to work with the government to fix this vital road and supports proposals for it to be handed over to SANRAL for proper management.
We will monitor progress closely and hold the department to its commitment that a contractor will be on site by February 2026. The current patchwork being done by the Central University of Technology is a temporary measure to close potholes. The DA will also advocate for these teams to be provided with more advanced equipment, such as bobcats, that will help to keep up with the demand of newly formed potholes on these roads.
We also note that the contractor who abandoned the project has been blacklisted and that a case has been opened against the director responsible. This is a critical step towards accountability, but action must follow words.
The same program was extended to Fezile Dabi District, where R59 between Viljoenskroon and Vredefort, and R721 between Kroonstad and Vredefort were also visited. Completion of all these projects is critical in that it will add to the growth of the economy in line with the DA’s six-point plan.
The DA in the Free State will continue to put pressure on the Free State government to deliver safe, reliable roads and ensure taxpayers’ money is spent where it counts.