AfriForum’s pothole repair project gets underway with Newcastle Municipality

A surge of activity illuminated Victoria Road just outside the Amajuba Mall, Newcastle, on Monday morning, 7 August, signaling a significant step forward in tackling Newcastle’s longstanding road maintenance issues.

This pivotal moment follows AfriForum Newcastle’s recent announcement on 3 August 2023, revealing its collaborative efforts with the Newcastle Municipality to inaugurate the Pothole Repair Project.

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As the initiative commenced on Monday morning, Dominee SW Scott, representing AfriForum Newcastle, underscored the initial focus of the first phase. “Victoria Road, Impala Road, and Drakensberg Drive will be prioritised for the repair of hazardous potholes before extending our efforts to the central business district.”

Peet Liebenberg of AfriForum Newcastle elaborated on the initiative’s starting point, emphasising the alignment of methodologies between the municipality and the civil rights organisation. “While our current emphasis is on main roads, we remain committed to addressing potholes on Paddock Drive, Aquamarine Drive, and other critical areas.”

The role of AfriForum Newcastle in supplying the majority of repair materials did not go unnoticed, earning appreciation from Councillor Bebsie Cronje. Cronje acknowledged the organisation’s dedication to enhancing road conditions and highlighted a recent golf day event held by Ward 2. The funds raised from the event resulted in a donation of 60 bags of tar to AfriForum Newcastle’s initiative.

Reflecting on the collaboration’s genesis, Municipal Manager Zamani Mcineka unveiled its long awaited nature.

He recounted a series of meetings that commenced in 2022, during which AfriForum Newcastle approached the Newcastle Municipality to address service delivery concerns affecting Newcastle residents.

With AfriForum Newcastle contributing materials and the municipality supplying labour, Mcineka underscored the resource limitations stemming from theNewcastle Municipality’s financial constraints. He conveyed deep gratitude for AfriForum Newcastle’s proactive approach to offering a solution to the existing challenges.

As the joint effort between AfriForum Newcastle and Newcastle Municipality embarked on its first phase, Peet Liebenberg emphasised community engagement in fulfilling the Municipality’s obligations. “It is imperative for the community to actively participate in ensuring the Newcastle Municipality’s responsibilities are met. Where there are gaps, the community possesses the means to lend support,” Liebenberg asserted.

Anticipating positive transformation, Dominee Scott revealed that AfriForum Newcastle had initiated discussions with New City Newcastle to explore avenues for supporting community driven initiatives aimed at rejuvenating Newcastle.

We invite readers to share their perspectives on this significant endeavor in the comments section below. Your thoughts and insights are invaluable as we collectively propel Newcastle towards a brighter future.