ArcelorMittal gets behind AfriForum Newcastle’s pothole repair project

The determined campaign against the pothole ridden roads of Newcastle has entered a new phase, with AfriForum Newcastle’s pothole initiative receiving a significant boost.

This follows ArcelorMittal South Africa’s Newcastle Works stepping in by contributing numerous bags of tarmac to aid the cause.

AfriForum Newcastle first announced its collaboration with the Newcastle Municipality to address the state of the city’s roads on 3 August 2023.

The Pothole Repair Project, as outlined by the civil rights organisation, was scheduled to commence on 7 August and conclude on 15 August 2023. At the time, Peet Liebenberg of AfriForum Newcastle clarified that the necessary project materials would be sponsored by AfriForum, a local ward committee, community groups, and businesses. The hands on work, however, would be carried out by the Newcastle Municipality.

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The official launch of the initiative took place on Victoria Road, just outside the Amajuba Mall. Representatives from AfriForum Newcastle and Newcastle Municipality convened to mark the occasion of Newcastle’s road conditions finally being addressed.

During the event, it was highlighted that repair efforts would be concentrated on Victoria Road, Impala Road, and Drakensberg Drive, with a focus on addressing hazardous potholes. Subsequently, attention would then shift to the central business district.

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Furthermore, Peet Liebenberg expressed his excitement at the involvement of ArcelorMittal in the endeavour, which promised to bring smoother journeys to Newcastle’s local roads. He stated, “ArcelorMittal donated 200 bags of tar and the transport company used by ArcelorMittal donated an additional 50 bags.”

Looking at the donation, Joe Nowbath of ArcelorMittal Newcastle Works explained that the company’s involvement formed part of AMSA’s commitment to the Newcastle community.

“Our General Manager, Dietmar Schmidtke, saw what was going on and decided we should see how to get involved,” Nowbath explained.

With the company getting into discussions with the respective role players in the initiative, Nowbath said AMSA Newcastle Works then decided to donate 200 bags of tar.

Following the substantial donation on Monday, 28 August 2023, Liebenberg emphasised the newfound sustainability of the project. He detailed that the initiative would now operate from Tuesday to Thursday, primarily targeting major roads in Newcastle with high traffic. As the project gains momentum, Liebenberg also underlined plans to extend efforts to the roads in Newcastle East.

Looking to the future, Nowbath said AMSA would monitor the development of the project and decide if it would contribute even further in the near future.

As the Pothole Repair Project gains traction and momentum, readers are encouraged to share their thoughts on these developments in the comment section below.