AfriForum ready to tackle list of hundreds of potholes in East Rand themselves

The AfriForum branches on the East Rand are ready to tackle the long list of potholes that the organisation sent to the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality for repair earlier this year themselves. This follows after the Metro ignored repeated requests to improve the condition of the roads. However, AfriForum still believes that cooperation with the Metro will provide the most sustainable solution.

On 6 February, AfriForum sent a petition to Dr. Imogen Mashazi, City Manager of the Ekurhuleni Metro, focusing on the increasing danger posed to road users by the potholes in the Metro. At least 200 East Rand residents of Boksburg, Benoni, Germiston, Alberton and Kempton Park signed the petition in the hope that the Metro would repair the potholes. Although a few potholes have since been repaired, the majority remain untouched. Follow-up communication was sent to Mashazi, as well as several councillors, on 20 May, but AfriForum is still awaiting feedback.

“We understand that resources may be limited, but the community is increasingly concerned about the lack of visible action to improve the roads and clear feedback from the Metro. That is why AfriForum has decided to prepare to tackle the potholes themselves, in the interest of road safety and community well-being,” says Nadia Olckers, District Coordinator for AfriForum in the East Rand.

AfriForum’s branches in the East Rand have already made an impressive contribution to road safety in the Metro this year. From January to May, 86 potholes were repaired and 176 bags of tar, equivalent to 4,4 ton, were used for these potholes. The total area of ​​these 86 potholes equals 354,152 square meters. These figures reflect the community’s willingness to act themselves where local authorities fail to intervene urgently.

However, AfriForum emphasises that the aim is not to replace the Metro, but to rather work together on solutions as a partner. “We are ready to join hands with the Ekurhuleni Metro. What we need is open communication and a shared action plan. Together we can make the East Rand a better place,” adds Olckers.

AfriForum hopes to receive formal feedback from the metro by the end of May. In the meantime, planning for further DIY projects will continue.

To be part of the AfriForum solution in your community, visit www.wordlid.co.za.