Adapted from Maroela Media
The AfriForum branch in Lichtenburg completed several successful pothole repair projects during July 2024 thanks to the assistance and donations received from the community. A total of 21,3 tons of tar was used to repair potholes in Lichtenburg. This is proof of the community’s unwavering commitment to road safety.
In 2nd Avenue, 110 potholes were repaired with 138 bags of tar and one drum of SS 60 bitumen. The residents of 2nd Avenue donated this material. In Mathew Street, 42 potholes were repaired with three bags of cement, 40 bags of tar and 50 litres of SS 60 bitumen, all donated by Westvaal Isuzu, Lichtenburg.
Potholes are an increasing challenge in South Africa, especially in rural areas where the corrupt municipalities do not look after the safety and needs of the residents. The last two years have produced shocking statistics on road accidents and deaths due to potholes in the Free State.
At the corner of 8th Avenue and 3rd Street, the entire intersection, which had been in tatters for the past three years, has been repaired. Here 12 bags of cement were used to fill up deep holes. Afterwards, the entire crossing (301 m) was tarred with 10 tons of hot tar and one drum of SS 60 bitumen. This could be done thanks to a huge donation by NWK Lichtenburg. Members of the community offered their help, for example to transport the tar.
In Church Street, a trench dug for a power cable was repaired with 15 bags of tar, donated by Neokor Sekuriteit. In Transvaal Street, 65 potholes were repaired, using 100 bags of tar and half a drum of SS 60 bitumen. Two tons of hot tar were used to tar the Dada Centre’s entrance and exit in Church Street. The Dada Centre made this donation.
Hans Nel Bande again donated the material for the 56 potholes in Transvaal Street to be repaired. These holes were filled with six bags of cement, after which two tons of hot tar and half a drum of SS 60 bitumen were used.
“July was AfriForum’s national pothole month, during which the civil rights organisation repaired as many potholes as possible nationwide,” says Armand Viljoen, AfriForum’s district coordinator. “The aim of this project is to make an immediate impact on a town’s road infrastructure. Better roads result in fewer road accidents and ensure that emergency services can get to their destinations faster.”
Local businesses and community members are encouraged to get involved in the Lichtenburg branch’s pothole project by making tar donations and at the same time nominating specific streets for repairs.
This project is proof once again that a community does not have to be at the mercy of the government’s poor service delivery. By working together, an environment can be created where the community can flourish. Doing and building it yourself is possible.
AfriForum encourages residents across the country to join a branch nearest to their town and become part of the projects. Pothole by pothole we are making South Africa a better place to live.
