In August 2023 AfriForum Newcastle announced a partnership with the Newcastle Municipality to tackle the town’s pothole problem.
At the outset, when the local chapter of the civil rights organisation unveiled its plan to address the state of Newcastle’s roads, the Pothole Repair Project was scheduled to run from 7 August 2023 to 15 August 2023.
During this period, AfriForum Newcastle committed to providing the required materials to the Newcastle Municipality, which, in turn, would supply the necessary workforce for pothole repairs.
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Since the project’s inception, AfriForum Newcastle has obtained significant support thereby extending the project’s lifespan. This saw ArcelorMittal South Africa’s Newcastle Works contribute over 200 bags of asphalt in September 2023. The generous donation was set to play a pivotal role in revitalising Newcastle’s roads, motivating AfriForum Newcastle to intensify its efforts in partnership with the municipality.
Fast forward three months and the question arises: How much progress has been made in further rehabilitating Newcastle’s roads?
Peet Liebenberg of AfriForum Newcastle provided an update, revealing that to date, they have used 500 bags of asphalt to mend nearly 200 potholes. This initial phase concentrated on repairing potholes in areas like Impala Road, Drakensberg Drive, Victoria Road, and Aquamarine Drive. However, Liebenberg noted that the project had been temporarily paused.
“Further materials have been secured, but we are currently holding on at the moment and waiting for the Newcastle Municipality, which is busy with its necessary projects,” explained Liebenberg.
On this note, the Newcastle Municipality has acquired a substantial quantity of asphalt. According to the municipal communications unit, their teams are actively addressing potholes in the CBD, as well as in Madadeni and Osizweni.
With the Municipality focusing on potholes and addressing other service delivery issues, Liebenberg noted that the municipal entity cannot be faulted.
“The recent rains have impacted the speed of the work, and we cannot continue until the Newcastle Municipality is complete with their scheduled work. We will continue with the project as soon as the Municipality is ready, and we are hoping to continue in November 2023.”
While the project is momentarily on hold, Liebenberg acknowledged the supportive stance of the community. He noted, “The community has been supportive in terms of acknowledging the work being done, but actual involvement has been a bit lacking.”
With some individuals and organisations volunteering to assist at the work sites, Liebenberg emphasised the need for more volunteers to ensure the project’s success once work resumed.
As AfriForum Newcastle takes a brief break before resuming its collaboration with the Newcastle Municipality, Newcastle residents interested in participating can reach out via the AfriForum Newcastle Facebook page or contact SW Scott at 082 806 7484 or Peet Liebenberg at 082 809 9517.
With all this in mind, what are your thoughts? Be sure to share your views in the comments section below.
