The Stoffberg subway in Brakpan, which was reopened to traffic in July this year after repair work, is already showing alarming signs of deterioration.
A new pothole and visible cracks have appeared within just a few weeks, undermining the safety and usability of the road.
During an oversight visit on 18 August, it was apparent that the tar on the repaired section, from Goods Road towards the station, is already crumbling. The pothole is getting bigger with each passing day and new cracks keep forming.
On 5 February, the Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) officially requested the Ekurhuleni Metro Mayor, Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, to urgently address the unusable road. During a council meeting, the party also demanded to know when the subway would be repaired.
The Metro undertook to complete the road and stormwater system repairs by 30 April.
Work only commenced in May, however, and was completed in July.
The subway was closed to traffic for a very long time, causing much inconvenience for residents. It is one of Brakpan’s main routes connecting communities on either side of the railway line.
The party brought the current state of affairs to the attention of the Mayoral Committee Member for Roads, Lindiwe Mnguni, and the chairperson of the Oversight Committee on Transport Planning, Roads and Stormwater.
The Freedom Front Plus insists that a comprehensive report, detailing the condition of the road and whether the relevant contractors will be held accountable, be tabled to the Council.
Residents have had to endure years of floods and dangerous road conditions, including the fatal incident on 26 February 2024 when a 67-year-old man drowned because his vehicle was trapped in floodwater under the railway bridge.
This tragedy shone the spotlight on the danger of poor stormwater management and road maintenance. Motorists should not be exposed to the risk of substandard work, and they cannot be expected to keep paying for repairs that fail within weeks.
Taxpayers work hard for their money. It is time to replace the ANC coalition with a party that ensures proper workmanship and responsible financial management.
So, vote for the VF Plus on 4 November.
