In a joint effort with the Newcastle Municipality, AfriForum Newcastle is successfully tackling the issue of potholes scattered across the town’s roads, with over 100 potholes already repaired.
The initiative, which began on 7 August 2023, has gained momentum and is making significant progress, as reported by AfriForum Newcastle’s Peet Liebenberg on Tuesday, 5 August 2023.
Since the launch of the pothole repair project, a remarkable total of 391 bags of asphalt have been utilised, resulting in the filling of 109 potholes. The collaboration between Newcastle Municipality and AfriForum Newcastle has been hard at work, with the repair teams spotted on Tuesday, diligently addressing a number of potholes along Drakensberg, Aquamarine Drive, and Impala Drive.
Peet Liebenberg, a representative of AfriForum Newcastle, stated, “While the speed of the work can be questioned, the quality of the work being done cannot be questioned.” He attributed this dedication to the meticulous efforts of Newcastle Municipality and AfriForum Newcastle in ensuring the durability of the repair work.
As the team worked in the heat and windy weather conditions on Tuesday, Liebenberg highlighted that the project is becoming sustainable, especially after ArcelorMittal South Africa’s Newcastle Works recently donated 200 bags of asphalt to the initiative.
With these developments, the project now sets its sights on the central business district (CBD) after addressing potholes along Drakensberg Drive, Victoria Road, Impala Drive, and their immediate environs. Liebenberg optimistically commented, “We hope to move into the CBD within the next two weeks, and we will then need to secure a steady supply of asphalt.”
However, the project has not been without its challenges, as Liebenberg acknowledged. “We have committed ourselves to do what we meant to do initially, but we didn’t realise the severity and scope of the interventions needed. One pothole alone needed 34 bags of asphalt.”
Despite the scale of the undertaking and the necessity of resealing certain roads to prevent further deterioration, Liebenberg assured the community that the initiative would persist indefinitely to ensure smoother driving conditions for Newcastle residents.
Nonetheless, he emphasised that AfriForum Newcastle and the Newcastle Municipality could not do it alone, saying, “We need help, and we need people living in the different areas where we are working to get involved.” Volunteers willing to contribute their time towards improving Newcastle’s roads are encouraged to contact Peet Liebenberg at 082 809 9517.
As a huge driver behind the success of Newcastle, Newcastillian News applauds AfriForum Newcastle and the Newcastle Municipality for this truly positive progression—keep up the great work!
With all this on the go, be sure to share your thoughts on this commendable initiative in the comments section below. Additionally, be an asset to your town by joining us in supporting these efforts by volunteering some of your time, knowing you contributed to your home towns upliftment.
