#HerstelEnVersnel: Despite inclement weather, Kathu branch fills over 70 potholes in Deben (Dibeng)

AfriForum’s Kathu branch repaired more than 70 potholes in Deben (Dibeng), covering approximately 5 km of damaged road surface. This despite cold and windy weather conditions, which saw average temperatures rise to only 16°C on the day.

The repair work began near Lang Street and extended just past the Reisa Plant on the road toward Kathu. A total of 30 bags of tar were used and the project was completed after six hours of work by dedicated members of AfriForum’s Kathu management team and neighbourhood watch.

Dewald van Vuuren, Head of the branch’s projects portfolio, led this project in response to the dire condition of Deben’s roads. “This project is about ensuring the safety of our roads and improving our community’s standard of living. This road is used daily by motorists and children commuting to work and school, so it is important that it is in a usable condition.”

Earlier this year, AfriForum also assisted with repairing eroded stormwater trenches on the gravel road from Deben to Hotazel following heavy rains. This project was undertaken after the Winton Farmers’ Association scraped the road to make it more accessible.

AfriForum has also raised serious concerns about the worrying condition of road infrastructure in the Gamagara Local Municipality. In its commentary on the Municipality’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP), the civil rights organisation highlighted the fact that residents of Deben and Olifantshoek regularly suffer damage to their vehicles due to potholes and poor maintenance of road infrastructure. In addition, the absence of road lines and markings for speed bumps pose a serious safety risk to motorists. AfriForum has requested the Municipality address these issues in the new budget.