Note To Editor – These are remarks made by Thoko Mashiane MPL in the Mpumalanga Legislature
Honourable Speaker, Honourable Premier, Members of the Legislature
Today, I rise on behalf of ActionSA to express both cautious relief and deep concern regarding the recently completed R37 road near Lydenburg.
This road, which formed part of ActionSA’s Worst Roads Tour in April 2024, was once a dangerous, crumbling strip that posed serious risks to motorists and economic activity. We welcome its completion, but it should never have taken this long, nor should it have cost us this much uncertainty.
Honourable Members, it took three separate contractors to complete this one infrastructure project. The public deserves to know:
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Why did the provincial Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport fail to ensure proper delivery the first time?
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How much has this road ultimately cost the people of Mpumalanga?
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And crucially, has any money been recovered from the initial failed contractors for non-performance?
It is unacceptable that public funds are wasted while departments recycle incompetence and avoid accountability.
Yesterday, I travelled the R540 between Dullstroom and Lydenburg. While potholes have been patched, the road remains uneven, uncomfortable, and is clearly deteriorating again.
Last year, as part of the Worst Roads Tour, alongside ActionSA National Chairperson, Michael Beaumont, we highlighted this issue, drawing attention to the urgent need for proper maintenance. Quick fixes aren’t enough, we need long-term solutions and real maintenance.
I must reiterate: this is not what quality road infrastructure looks like. It reflects a band-aid approach to maintenance, one that will only cost more in the long run.
ActionSA calls on MEC Thulasizwe Thomo to table a full breakdown of the R37 project’s costs, contractor appointments, and any recovery actions taken. We further call for a transparent maintenance and upgrade plan for the R540, before it regresses to its former state.
I thank you.
ActionSA Demands Accountability After R37 Road Completion and R540 Deterioration Despite Millions Spent
Note To Editor – These are remarks made by Thoko Mashiane MPL in the Mpumalanga Legislature
Honourable Speaker, Honourable Premier, Members of the Legislature
Today, I rise on behalf of ActionSA to express both cautious relief and deep concern regarding the recently completed R37 road near Lydenburg.
This road, which formed part of ActionSA’s Worst Roads Tour in April 2024, was once a dangerous, crumbling strip that posed serious risks to motorists and economic activity. We welcome its completion, but it should never have taken this long, nor should it have cost us this much uncertainty.
Honourable Members, it took three separate contractors to complete this one infrastructure project. The public deserves to know:
It is unacceptable that public funds are wasted while departments recycle incompetence and avoid accountability.
Yesterday, I travelled the R540 between Dullstroom and Lydenburg. While potholes have been patched, the road remains uneven, uncomfortable, and is clearly deteriorating again.
Last year, as part of the Worst Roads Tour, alongside ActionSA National Chairperson, Michael Beaumont, we highlighted this issue, drawing attention to the urgent need for proper maintenance. Quick fixes aren’t enough, we need long-term solutions and real maintenance.
I must reiterate: this is not what quality road infrastructure looks like. It reflects a band-aid approach to maintenance, one that will only cost more in the long run.
ActionSA calls on MEC Thulasizwe Thomo to table a full breakdown of the R37 project’s costs, contractor appointments, and any recovery actions taken. We further call for a transparent maintenance and upgrade plan for the R540, before it regresses to its former state.
I thank you.