Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr. Brendan Olivier and Sesotho soundbite by Cllr Kabelo Moreeng. See attached pictures here, here, and here.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) will urgently submit a request to the Free State Department of Community Safety, Roads and Transport to prioritise the immediate repair and ongoing maintenance of the R59 route between Vredefort and Viljoenskroon.
Over the past few weeks, numerous complaints have led to an investigation of the R59 between these two rural towns. Both are dependent on the R59 as the main arterial road into and out of them.
When starting the journey from Vredefort, opposite the unlicensed dump site, we encounter the first major potholes. Already on 3 October, they were filled with loose ground to avoid carnage on the road.
Further along the way, potholes vary in size from “uncomfortable” to “accident when travelling at normal speed.”
At the bridge where a truck crashed on 2 October, no repair work has been undertaken yet.
This crater will result in significant damage, as well as increased accidents and injuries, similar to many other potholes along this road.
Although repairs have begun, they must continue with great urgency.
These hazardous conditions severely affect residents and businesses who rely on the R59 daily, causing vehicle damage, transport delays, and limiting access to essential services.
Infrastructure forms the backbone of our economy. If there are no roads between economic centres, there can be no trade. If the municipalities and provincial staff involved lack the backbone to resolve these issues, our economy will falter.
The DA is ready to bring a focused approach to rebuilding, repairing and maintaining our infrastructure, with the roads and rail networks being of paramount importance.
Driving our economy to success.