Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Eleanor Quinta and Sesotho soundbite by Cllr Ana Motaung. See attached pictures here, here, and here.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Maluti-a-Phofung (MAP) will urgently raise questions in the Free State Provincial Legislature to compel the MEC for Community Safety, Roads, and Transport to explain why the road connecting the N5 to Tshiame has deteriorated to such a severe extent.
The DA will further request that the MEC present a clear plan of action to restore the road to a safe and usable condition.
The road is riddled with potholes, and erosion is so widespread that sections of the road are classified as single lanes, with many vehicles opting to travel through the veld. Young entrepreneurs are filling the potholes with sand; however, this is by no means a solution, as it just washes away with rain.
Road users are swerving to avoid craters in the road, and a major traffic incident or significant vehicle damage is imminent. Residents and business owners who use this road daily cannot be expected to use it in its current state, as it is simply not safe to do so.
With roads being an economic lifeline for communities, one would expect the Free State Province to prioritise this vital road, especially since the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is being heavily promoted.
It is ridiculous to expect investors to invest in the SEZ, with the state of the roads meant to link the zone with the main highways. This promotion of the SEZ is yet another attempt by the ANC government to put lipstick on a pig.
The MAP economy is severely under stress, with job losses and a high unemployment rate. The Province should do better for the residents and business owners, and the DA will hold them to account.