Polokwane's ageing roads to blame for recurring potholes, says muni
Polokwane's streets are riddled with potholes, with areas once free of road damage, now barely drivable.
Residents have complained about the deteriorating state of roads in the city, citing the danger it poses to motorists and other road users.
Earlier this year, the municipality confirmed it depleted all funds available for the remainder of the then financial year to repair potholes, but municipal spokesperson Thipa Selala confirmed that road patching teams are on the ground daily, working systematically to restore safer road surfaces.
Read more: Polokwane's pothole crisis worsens as repair budget runs dry
In response to questions from the Polokwane Review-Observer, Selala said the turnaround time for reported potholes generally ranges between 48 and 120 hours, depending on the size of the pothole and the classification of the road. Urgent cases are prioritised to minimise risk to motorists.
However, he acknowledged that recurring potholes, especially in certain areas, are often the result of roads that have reached the end of their design lifespan.
'In those cases, patching is only a temporary fix and full road rehabilitation is required, a process that is resource-intensive and forms part of the City's broader infrastructure upgrade plans,' he said.
In May, the Polokwane Observer reported that 10 Pothole claims totaling R207k were filed against the Polokwane Municipality.
Read more: 10 Pothole claims totaling R207k filed against Polokwane Municipality
The municipality further noted that while the challenges are significant, steady progress is being made and public cooperation remains key.
'We understand the public's frustration and we share the same commitment to improving our road conditions. The pothole problem is being tackled head-on and with sustained effort and investment, it will become a thing of the past.'
Residents are encouraged to report potholes and monitor the status of repairs via the MyPolokwane Citizen App, which the city says helps with faster response and better coordination.
You might also want to read: Hit a pothole? This is how you can claim for damage to your vehicle
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
23-07-2025
- The Citizen
VIDEO: Nelson Mandela Drive roadworks cause DIY traffic rules
POLOKWANE – Frustration is boiling over the ongoing roadworks on Nelson Mandela Drive as it has not only caused major congestion in surrounding areas, but also a rise in reckless driving and disregard for the rules of the road. With little to no visibility of traffic officials to manage the chaos, motorists have reported to the Polokwane Review-Observer that drivers have turned alternative routes into a free for all. The project, which began last Wednesday has led to many drivers having to divert through alternative routes, causing congestion in suburbs like Ladanna, Seshego, the Extensions and Westenburg. They claim these roads are now also congested and unsafe, with tensions running high during peak traffic. A video, taken by Observer journalist Koketso Sekhwela this morning in Fluoorspar Street, shows two motorists in a bakkie and a taxi, clearly violating the National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996 by driving on a pathway to avoid congestion. Under the act, it is generally prohibited to drive on pavements and states that vehicles should be driven on designated roadways and pavements are reserved for pedestrian traffic. Roadworks causing a bigger traffic issue According to the spokesperson of the Polokwane Municiaplity, Thipa Selala, the project involves the rehabilitation of base layer and resurfacing of the road. 'The project also includes maintenance of the existing stormwater infrastructure to improve drainage and extend the lifespan of the road,' Selala told the Review-Observer. Read more: Roadworks to continue on Nelson Mandela Drive until September Despite Polokwane Traffic Officials visible on key routes, motorists said there is no sight of pointsmen at key intersections. When asked how the municipality is managing traffic flow, Selala said the municipality has placed temporary traffic signage at key points to guide motorists around the construction area. 'In addition, municipal traffic control officers are deployed at critical intersections to assist with traffic flow, especially during peak hours. Additional traffic personnel may be deployed as needed based on traffic volume and movement patterns,' he said. Public notices were issued through the Polokwane Municipality Facebook and X pages, the municipal WhatsApp channel, ward councillors and the Municipal Public Participation Unit to inform residents of the road closure and expected disruptions. TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURE ALERT From 16 July (17h00) to 16 Sept (17h00), lanes on Nelson Mandela Dr (Rissik–Vermikuliet) will be partially closed for maintenance. Please use alternative routes & plan ahead. Log queries via MyPolokwane Citizen App or call 015 290 2000. End — Polokwane Municipality (@PolokwaneMuni) July 16, 2025 Selala said they continue to engage directly with key stakeholders, including nearby businesses, schools and the taxi associations, to address concerns and provide relevant updates. To meet the project completion target of September, the appointed contractor has committed to deploying additional resources on site which includes extended working hours and weekend operations to ensure the work progresses efficiently and on schedule. 'Motorists are encouraged to make use of alternative routes through the Ladine area and other clearly marked detours indicated on site. Temporary signage has been installed to assist with navigation and reduce congestion in the affected area. We appreciates the public's patience and cooperation as we work to deliver safer, more durable road infrastructure for all,' he concluded. Selala was also asked to clarify what consequences, if any, are in place for motorists who violate traffic rules. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
16-07-2025
- The Citizen
Watch: Truck carrying gas cylinders crashes in Limpopo, sparks forest fire
The R71 through Magoebaskloof in Limpopo has been closed until further notice after a truck carrying gas cylinders crashed in the early hours of this morning, sparking a mountain-side forest fire. According to Polokwane Review, Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety acting spokesperson Matome Taueatsoala, in a statement posted just after 08:00, said the blaze is as a result of a crash involving a truck carrying gas cylinders. Emergency response teams including the Letaba Fire Protection Association, Tzaneen Fire Brigade, SARZA Limpopo, Disaster Management and the Tzaneen Emergency Support Team were quickly dispatched. By 04:30, crews were still battling the fire, which was creeping down the mountain towards Warriors Camp, making access to the explosion site too dangerous. 'It is too dangerous to access at the moment,' a message on a local WhatsApp group read. Polokwane Review reports that messages on a local emergency WhatsApp group suggest the truck lost control and crashed through the barrier just above the Magoebaskloof Ruskamp as a result of failing brakes and burst into flames at around 01:00. 'Emergency services are still at the scene and although most of the wreckage has been cleared and majority of the consequential fire in the surrounding forest extinguished, the pass remains closed. We have also had reports that the fire has reached the property of the Warriors Basecamp and they are fighting to prevent it from reaching the barn on the property,' a message reads. A video taken by a passing motorist shows flames engulfing a section of the forest, with explosions audible in the background. 'Woah! That's definitely a truck with something that's exploding. It's got something on it,' the driver can be heard saying. Authorities have reminded motorists that heavy vehicles are not permitted to use the R71 and should instead take George's Valley Road as an alternative route. The R71 will remain closed until further notice, and road users are urged to avoid the area. It is also reported that the driver of the truck escaped without injuries. Casualties are yet to be confirmed despite previous reports of one fatality. Taueatsoala said motorists are advised to use the following alternative routes: George's Valley Road (R528 road) R81 via Modjadjiskloof 'Motorists can also use alternative routes as directed by our traffic authorities. We urge all motorists to exercise caution and prioritise their safety. We will provide updates as more information becomes available,' his statement reads. Watch the video: Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
07-07-2025
- The Citizen
Polokwane's ageing roads to blame for recurring potholes, says muni
POLOKWANE – The Polokwane Municipality says it is aware of the mounting frustration over the state of the city's roads and has assured residents that pothole repairs are part of a continuous maintenance programme currently being implemented across affected areas. Polokwane's streets are riddled with potholes, with areas once free of road damage, now barely drivable. Residents have complained about the deteriorating state of roads in the city, citing the danger it poses to motorists and other road users. Earlier this year, the municipality confirmed it depleted all funds available for the remainder of the then financial year to repair potholes, but municipal spokesperson Thipa Selala confirmed that road patching teams are on the ground daily, working systematically to restore safer road surfaces. Read more: Polokwane's pothole crisis worsens as repair budget runs dry In response to questions from the Polokwane Review-Observer, Selala said the turnaround time for reported potholes generally ranges between 48 and 120 hours, depending on the size of the pothole and the classification of the road. Urgent cases are prioritised to minimise risk to motorists. However, he acknowledged that recurring potholes, especially in certain areas, are often the result of roads that have reached the end of their design lifespan. 'In those cases, patching is only a temporary fix and full road rehabilitation is required, a process that is resource-intensive and forms part of the City's broader infrastructure upgrade plans,' he said. In May, the Polokwane Observer reported that 10 Pothole claims totaling R207k were filed against the Polokwane Municipality. Read more: 10 Pothole claims totaling R207k filed against Polokwane Municipality The municipality further noted that while the challenges are significant, steady progress is being made and public cooperation remains key. 'We understand the public's frustration and we share the same commitment to improving our road conditions. The pothole problem is being tackled head-on and with sustained effort and investment, it will become a thing of the past.' Residents are encouraged to report potholes and monitor the status of repairs via the MyPolokwane Citizen App, which the city says helps with faster response and better coordination. You might also want to read: Hit a pothole? This is how you can claim for damage to your vehicle At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
