Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Carina Serfontein and Sesotho soundbite by Cllr Joseph Mbele. See attached picture here.
The DA demands immediate action to address the life-threatening condition of the R82 between Koppies and Kroonstad.
This important route is riddled with severe potholes, while proper warning signs, stop signs, and visible road markings are absent in critical areas. Motorists are often forced to swerve into oncoming traffic to avoid potholes, placing drivers, passengers and pedestrians at serious risk.
Accidents are already occurring. Every day of inaction increases the possibility of another serious injury or loss of life.
This is no longer merely a maintenance problem. It is a public-safety emergency caused by continued neglect.
The DA demands the following immediate action:
1. An urgent safety inspection of the entire R82 between Koppies and Kroonstad within 48 hours.
2. Temporary warning signs and traffic-control measures at all dangerous sections without delay.
3. Emergency repair of the most dangerous potholes, followed by the proper resurfacing of severely damaged sections.
4. Install and replace all missing or damaged road, warning, and stop signs.
5. Repainting faded road markings to improve visibility, particularly at night and in poor weather.
6. A public rehabilitation and maintenance programme containing clear deadlines, budgets and responsible officials.
7. Regular progress reports to ensure that promises translate into visible action.
The responsible roads authority cannot claim ignorance while motorists continue risking their lives. If funding or contractors are delaying the work, the public deserves to know who is responsible and when the road will be repaired.
The DA has escalated the matter to our spokesperson for roads in the Free State Legislature to submit questions to address the dangerous sections and continue applying pressure until decisive action is taken.
Residents do not need more excuses or empty promises. They need a safe road, and they need it now.