Drakensberg Drive’s Hazardous State Amid Municipality’s Roadwork Delays

Drakensberg Drive's Hazardous State Amid Municipality's Roadwork Delays

With the current weather conditions and ongoing rainfall, the situation regarding damaged or potholed roads across Newcastle is becoming increasingly concerning. Some roads are now posing a significant risk to motorists, particularly as the rains continue to exacerbate the situation.

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One such road is Drakensberg Drive, whereby the section running past Pick ‘n Pay in Pioneer Park is serverely hazardous to motorists.

If you recall, in September 2024, Newcastillian News reported on the formation of a sinkhole along this busy stretch of road, after a concerned resident brought the issue to light.

To read more, click here.

Although the Newcastle Municipality responded promptly to the issue, the condition of the road has since worsened, particularly with the heavy rainfall. The Municipality had initially worked on the area to address the sinkhole and repair a damaged sewage line, which had caused sewage to spill along the road.

However, the Municipality did not fully tar the area after the repairs, leaving it exposed to the elements. The repair work consisted of sand and gravel being laid over the damaged area, but now the gravel is sinking in, and the sand is washing away, leaving motorists to navigate the area with great caution.

“This is totally unacceptable, as the condition of the road could lead to someone becoming seriously hurt, especially with the rains that are now happening. My car nearly got stuck there on Sunday evening (5 January 2025). However, if it’s dry, one could also damage the car because of the uneven road surface where there are potholes forming in the sand now,” said an irate resident.

In response to the growing concern, Newcastle Municipality’s Councillor Bertie Meiring explained that this stretch of road, along with other problematic areas such as Hardwick Street, remains a priority for the Municipality.

It should first be noted that in December 2024, after completing the restoration work at Allen and Kirkland Streets, Municipality Manager Zamani Mcinecka stated that the Municipality was prioritising road infrastructure issues, beginning with the CBD before moving into residential areas.

To read more, click here.

While municipal teams began preparing the sites where potholes were located, work was unexpectedly halted. Discussing this, Cllr Meiring explained that the Municipality was forced to stop pothole repairs after the asphalt factory it dealt with closed for the festive season.

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“With many companies now opening again and the tar factory also expected to resume operations this week, the Newcastle Municipality will address the issue along Drakensberg Drive and other problematic roads as soon as we are able to secure the asphalt when the factory reopens. The repair work is especially important for the Newcastle Municipality, due to the rainfalls and inclement weather, and we want to ensure our residents are able to use our roads safely,” said Cllr Meiring.

As Newcastillians await the Municipality’s action on the deteriorating road conditions, what are your thoughts on the above? Share your views in the comment section below.

Comments 7

  1. Donald Trump says:

    No point. Once ArcelorMittal shuts down this municipality Will soon become bankruptcy and deteriorate even further

  2. Withelm says:

    Asphalt cost price at the supplier and what the municipality pay for it through an “agent” is criminal and should be investigated. Councelors assistance on the matter was ignored, some are fully aware of the of the rrdiculous inflated price that the municipality pay for asphalt through the agent. It is corrupt to the core, sjould be investigated and exposed

  3. KitchenAidsct says:

    manuscripts underwent in the Middle

  4. Samantha Stopforth says:

    The ditch infront of ferrum high school aswell

  5. C Buss says:

    Surely the Municipality knows the condition of its roads and other infrastructure. It is purely a case of incompetence and the lack of will and accountability!

  6. Tina says:

    Promises, promises and more promises going nowhere fast or slow, just going NOWHERE!!!. I think our street is the worst in the districktveven worse than in the townships I have been told by people from the townships but promises that go nowhere is all you get. It is no wonder our municipality is rated as one of the worst in the country!! I think they are top of the worst list, useless!!

  7. Judy says:

    It is really appaling to drive our cars in such damaged roads and yet no efforts done.
    Secondly, appaling in the fact that Tyre Burts happen on daily basis, while motorists have to buy new tryes but on the other hand have to pay for yearly renewals of motor licenses and failure to pay on time leads to higher charges by dept.of transport.
    It is high time now that we, motorists must claim the department of transport for tyre burst due to potholes just as we are charged for late payment of motor licenses.

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