Potholes, sinkholes, and crumbling sections of roadway mark Newcastle’s struggling infrastructure, challenging motorists to navigate the town without damaging their vehicles or risking collisions while avoiding significant potholes in the local roads. The question now stands, what steps is the Newcastle Municipality taking to resolve this critical issue, especially as the inclement weather conditions are currently worsening the community’s roads?
Regarding tarred roads in Newcastle, the Municipality’s Communications Unit reported that pothole repairs have commenced in the Central Business District (CBD) area.
The Communications Unit outlined that the project is structured to systematically restore and maintain roads throughout Newcastle, aiming to provide a safer and more efficient driving experience for residents and visitors.
“We are committed to providing quality services to our residents, and tackling the pothole menace is a top priority. Our team is working tirelessly to repair and maintain our roads, and we are confident that this initiative will make a significant difference in the lives of our residents. We understand the frustration and inconvenience caused by potholes, and we are taking proactive steps to address this issue. Our goal is to create a safe and efficient transportation network that supports economic growth, job creation, and improved quality of life for all,” said Newcastle Mayor, Councillor Xolani Dube.
However, the Communications Unit cautioned that ongoing adverse weather conditions are currently restricting municipal teams from performing their tasks effectively.
“We will make sure that whenever the weather permits, we will be patching potholes. We are prioritising our main arterial routes in Madadeni, Osizweni and Newcastle West because of their level of service and gradually move to the suburbs/access roads,” said the Communications Unit.
Concerning the degraded condition of gravel roads in Newcastle, the Communications Unit explained that most remain too wet or waterlogged for repairs, noting that premature work could exacerbate the issues. “Our teams are constantly monitoring our damaged roads, and they will commence with the repair work once the weather permits and the roads are workable. We are aware of the challenges posed by undrivable roads, and we request patience from road users and motorists,” noted the Communications Unit.
While potholes form just one element of the broader road problems in Newcastle, Newcastillian News sought clarification on the total funding needed to address the roads comprehensively.
At the time of publication, the Municipality could not provide an estimate. However, the Communications Unit offered insight on why, stating, “The Municipality is still measuring the damages as the rain is continuously damaging the infrastructure.”
Moreover, the Communications Unit further highlighted three primary challenges impacting efforts to improve local road infrastructure. Without delving into specifics, it listed these obstacles as:
• Dilapidated infrastructure.
• Weather.
• Material scarcity (hot premix and quarry).
As the Newcastle Municipality initiates efforts to improve road conditions by focusing on potholes, a key question emerges: what measures are in place to ensure road safety remains intact amid these hazards?
The Communications Unit clarified, “Potholes that pose a danger on our roads will be prioritised and will be attended as they are identified. If we cannot patch them for whatever reason they will be made safe by filling them up to base level. This will minimise damage if motorists collide with them. We do urge motorcycles to be vigilant and drive within safe travelling speeds on our roads, so that they can be able to spot and avert potholes before they collide with them.”
As Newcastillians manoeuvre through town, dodging potholes and navigating flaws in the road network, the Communications Unit affirmed that the Newcastle Municipality’s dedication to transparency and accountability throughout this initiative. Additionally, the unit has encouraged residents to report potholes and offer feedback on the process.
With the Newcastle Municipality addressing the state of its roads one pothole at a time, what are your perspectives on the current road conditions in Newcastle, and what actions do you believe are necessary? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Comments 14
Newcastle’s tar roads need to be resurfaced. This is long overdue. Putting patches everywhere is a temporary solution.
Penny wise, pound foolish.
Some of the most affluent areas in Newcastle have the worst road surfaces.
Purchasing small bags of tar benefits the supplier only.
Does the Municipality not have a procurement department, to source these type of things from a bulk supplier, or directly from the manufacturer, at a reasonable price, or does everyone expect a kickback, as is the norm in SA?
This municipality is bancrupt they havnt got money for tar the use sand to fill potholes wond last
Are they doing anything to fix the 7 odd km of the D96, going to Vulintaba, which are part of their responsiblilty ?
And your publication actuall expects your readers to be believe the municipality??The work crews can only
manage 1 trench repair per day never mind all the potholes and then a rest period!! Take cnr of Victoria and Pikkewyn and cnr of Pikkewyn and Parkiet!!! All walking distance of each other. Well at least they are a speed deterants
Good day,
Our publication is merely informing readers of the municipality’s current feedback on the matter. It is up to you, as the reader, to decide what the takeaway is from the information presented. This is called true News reporting. Sadly, in today’s news universe, various products create articles to generate a large emotional response through opinion blurred in with facts. This, of course, does well for click throughs, but sadly lowers the integrity of news in general. News is about presenting the facts at hand. The municipality answered Newcastillian News with the information provided, we cannot and will not change official government statements, as that is illegal and unethical. Hope this clears up any confusion. Have a good day.
Municipality needs to use proper , good quality tar, and professional workers to do the job, for ever lasting results ,
It noticed that the pothole repairs only lasting for very short period, because of poor material and poor workmanship.
As Manga
Contractors must stop using sand as the base materials for the road repairs.They should use proper G 2 to G5;materials as the sub base before asphalt.The newly tarred area near the taxi rank is already degrading due incorrect materials used.
Change the ruling party IFP and vote DA
There is money for speedbumps and not for the road wonder how they think
I lost 16 tyres and 4 rims in Newcastle so far at present the 16th Tyre and 1 broken rim is in my boot.And two lower control arms on my front suspension.And it also broke my air suspension on my car.This is a e55 amg mercedes benz we are talking about here.I had to pay all the cost myself.
I think the problem with our municipality they don’t have skill people to do the right job . They just used anyone without proper skills. The are more people who have skills in construction industry but they don’t get jobs to this municipality
How they can fix the roads if they can’t even put wholes back. Only steeling money what we are working hard for
I think yo become a mayor needs training not to be chosen because of your political party.Secondly the mayoral position must be run by citizens who are qualified no politics.The residents also need to be involved In budget making.
PR exercise. There are no plans to sort anything out in our town. Always no money but there is money for useless road shows and horse racing.It doesn’t seem as if they know how to budget and spend accordingly.