Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Sesotho soundbites by Cllr Dennis Khasudi and Afrikaans soundbite by Cllr Linda Louwrens. See attached pictures here, here and here.
The DA in Moqhaka Local Municipality has written to Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae and MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport, Jabu Mbalula, to urgently address the terrible and increasingly dangerous condition of the R76 road between Kroonstad and Steynsrus.
The road’s condition has become a serious public safety concern.
What is particularly concerning is that the road was reportedly constructed or substantially rehabilitated only a few months ago. However, despite the relatively recent construction work, the road’s current condition does not appear to reflect the standard residents and road users should reasonably expect from a recently constructed or rehabilitated provincial road.
The road’s deterioration, including dangerous sections and conditions that may compromise motorists’ safety, has effectively turned parts of the R76 into a life-threatening hazard. Motorists travelling between Kroonstad, Steynsrus, and surrounding communities face unnecessary risks daily.
We are particularly concerned that the current condition of the road could contribute to:
- Serious motor vehicle accidents;
- Loss of life and serious injuries;
- Damage to vehicles;
- Increased travelling times and transport costs;
- Unsafe conditions for public transport operators and passengers; and
- Further deterioration of an important route connecting communities and economic areas within the province.
The DA therefore calls upon the Free State Provincial Government to urgently dispatch the relevant technical officials and road engineers to inspect the R76, particularly the sections between Kroonstad and Steynsrus.
We further request that the Department investigate the circumstances surrounding the recent construction or rehabilitation of the road, including:
- The contractor responsible for the work;
- The original scope and specifications of the project;
- The quality of the construction materials and workmanship;
- The project completion and inspection reports;
- Whether the road was properly certified before being handed over;
- Whether the road remains under any construction or defects liability period; and
- Whether any remedial work is required from the contractor at no additional cost to the public.
We further call for immediate temporary measures, including appropriate warning signs, road markings, speed-control measures and urgent repairs where necessary, while a comprehensive technical assessment is undertaken.
The people of Moqhaka, Steynsrus and surrounding communities should not have to wait for a serious accident or loss of life before government takes action. Residents have the power to stop the chaos and start the delivery.