AfriForum repairs 121 potholes after Ekurhuleni metro ignores requests

AfriForum’s branches on the East Rand used a total of 273 bags of tar (6 800 kg) to repair 121 potholes in Alberton, Benoni, Edenvale, Kempton Park and Germiston from the beginning of May to 7 June. The branches thus spent almost R26 000 to repair potholes. This follows after AfriForum still has not received any response or action plan from the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality on the list of potholes in the area that need to be repaired. The organisation sent this list, which was signed by at least 200 East Rand residents, to the Metro via email in February and in May again.

The branches decided to take responsibility themselves and ensure service delivery to the community where the municipality falls short. The repair of the potholes not only brings visible relief to dilapidated infrastructure but also builds a culture of self-reliance and community cooperation.

A total of 60 potholes were repaired in Benoni on the corner of Mowbray Avenue and Russell Street, Gold Street, Fifth Avenue and Great North Road. A further 22 potholes were repaired on the corner of Pine and Stokroos Streets, Umtata Road and Seventh Street at Laerskool Northmead. In Edenvale, 25 potholes were repaired in De Klerkshof, Edenglen and Eastleigh. In Germiston, seven potholes were repaired in Jacob Street and Blackreef Road in Norton Small Farms. In Alberton, four potholes were repaired in Goldwing in Raceview, while three potholes were repaired in the Zuurfontein Cemetery in Kempton Park.

“If we have to wait for the Municipality – and at the speed they are moving – the roads will only deteriorate further,” says Nadia Olckers, AfriForum’s District Coordinator on the East Rand.

These projects have only been made possible thanks to the loyal contributions of AfriForum members and the community’s generous donations.

The AfriForum branches will continue to fill potholes, because it poses a safety risk to road users. “Every cent is ploughed back into our communities. The Municipality continues to fail to deliver the necessary services, yet expects us to pay for them,” concludes Olckers.

Visit www.wordlid.co.za for more information on how to get involved with your nearest AfriForum branch.