The recent incident involving KwaZulu-Natal’s MEC for Transport, Community Safety, and Liaison, Sipho Hlomuka, highlights the dire state of road maintenance in the province.
A video went viral, showing the MEC observing as an ambulance was rescued from a pothole in Westville. This incident has once again brought attention to the widespread issue of pothole-ridden roads in South Africa.
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Just three months prior to this incident, Hlomuka had outlined the progress made in addressing road infrastructure and pothole patching in a media briefing.
However, the video of the ambulance stuck in a pothole has sparked outrage among the public, who are tired of the lack of action and accountability when it comes to road maintenance.
In an attempt to salvage his image, the MEC has since participated in the provincial transport department’s pothole patching programme in the Abaqulusi Local Municipality.
While this may be seen as a step in the right direction, it is clear that more needs to be done to address the massive gaps in KwaZulu-Natal’s road maintenance plan.
WATCH: Even Sipho Hlomuka, the MEC for Transport in the province is shocked. Hlomuka is also a top official of the ANC in the province. pic.twitter.com/qVzWRDpOKW
— Sihle Mavuso (@ZANewsFlash) February 3, 2024
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Pothole-ridden roads not only pose a danger to motorists but also hinder economic development and impact the overall quality of life for residents. It is crucial for the provincial government to prioritize road maintenance and invest in long-term solutions to prevent further deterioration of the road network.
The incident involving the ambulance serves as a wake-up call for authorities to take immediate action and allocate sufficient resources to address the road maintenance backlog in KwaZulu-Natal. The public deserves safe and well-maintained roads, and it is the responsibility of the government to ensure their safety and well-being.
