Note to Editors: Please find attached English soundbite by Cllr Diphapang Mofokeng, Afrikaans soundbite by Cllr Anelia Smit and Sesotho soundbite by Jafta Mokoena MPL. See attached pictures here and here.
The DA in Nketoana will press the provincial government to prioritise the urgent repair of the R57 public road connecting Reitz and Kestell, as its collapse is severely affecting road users and local farmers.
Following an oversight visit with DA Provincial Leader Dr Roy Jankielsohn and DA Provincial Spokesperson on Roads and Transport, Jafta Mokoena, to the R57 public road connecting Reitz and Kestell, it was evident that the road is in a state of deterioration, despite more than R160 million having been spent on repairs.
This road is of significant strategic importance as it serves as an alternative route between Johannesburg and Durban for motorists seeking to avoid the highway. It is also a critical access road to Qwaqwa, carrying a high volume of daily traffic.
Traffic monitoring cameras have recorded that the road currently accommodates around 680 vehicles per day, compared to 2,700 cars per day when the road was in better condition in the past.
Despite spending R161.7 million between 2014 and 2016 on repairs, the road has once again deteriorated to a deplorable and almost impassable condition for ordinary vehicles. Motorists are forced to take a detour via Bethlehem to rejoin the R57 and connect with the N3 to Durban.
During the visit, the DA met with local farmers residing and farming along the road to discuss the impact of the road’s condition on their daily operations. Farmers indicated that they were unable to obtain permission to repair the road at their own expense.
Attempts to fill potholes with gravel also resulted in damage to vehicles and windscreens caused by flying stones. Road users further reported daily tyre damage and accidents caused by cars swerving to avoid the potholes.
Further inquiries by Dr Jankielsohn revealed that tenders for the appointment of a contractor for the R57 project will only be advertised in February 2026.
The DA regards this delay as unacceptable. This road serves as an economic lifeline, but in its current state, it poses a serious safety risk.
We will continue to monitor the situation and apply pressure on the relevant authorities to ensure that this road is repaired as a matter of urgency.