By: Natasha Archary
DA Gauteng Spokesperson for Roads and Transport, Evert Du Plessis, says the province’s roads are a mess because the department has failed to fix potholes.
According to the DA, the Department claims the contractor that was supposed to start work on roads in Gauteng, experienced financial constraints and non-payment of workers resulted in the project being halted.
In a statement, Du Plessis said this is worrying because the department continues to fail to meet targets of rehabilitating the province’s roads.
“Unsurfaced roads and crater-sized potholes have now become the norm for Gauteng motorists. The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has consistently failed to fix potholes and to properly maintain provincial roads.
In its 4th quarter report for 2022/23, the Department only rehabilitated 226 989 m2 of surfaced roads against the target of 394 084m2.
This trend is worrying as every year the department fails to meet targets. Keeping the province’s roads in tip-top condition is of utmost importance since goods and services are transported on our roads to other provinces.”
DA Gauteng spokesperson for Roads and Transport, Evert Du Plessis
The DA proposes that the Department urgently audit all contractors on their database to determine if they have the capacity and skills needed to complete the tenders they apply for.
In addition, the DA will be tabling questions in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature to determine who the service provider is and what action will be taken against the service provider for not completing the job.
“It’s high time that this Department appoints competent contractors who can complete critical infrastructure projects on time and within budget. Contractors leaving the site due to financial constraints and not paying workers is unacceptable.”
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