Motorists frustrated as Vryheid roads continue to deteriorate

Tags

---

14-01-2026
Read : 7 times
Northern Natal News
Source

Vryheid motorists and residents grow increasingly frustrated as potholes worsen despite municipal repair efforts.

Road conditions in and around Vryheid have continued to deteriorate over the past few months, with motorists and residents expressing growing frustration as potholes widen, road edges collapse, and earlier repairs fail under constant traffic and persistent heavy rain.

Concerns raised during community meeting

The issue was raised in October during a community meeting hosted by Councillor Magda Viktor, attended by municipal managers, directors, councillors and the mayor of AbaQulusi Local Municipality. At that meeting, residents were assured that road repairs were a priority and that a structured pothole repair programme was underway.

Municipality explains repair challenges

At the time, Director of Technical Services Nathi Mbongwa explained that progress was slowed by logistical challenges, including the transport of asphalt from Piet Retief. He said teams had to prepare potholes in advance so that asphalt could be applied while still hot, limiting the speed at which repairs could be done. It was also stated that busy intersections would be rebuilt using paving rather than patched, as a longer-lasting solution.

Heavy rainfall accelerates damage

Since then, prolonged and above-average rainfall has significantly accelerated road damage across the town. Streets identified for repair in October have deteriorated further, while new potholes have developed in areas previously unaffected. Motorists have raised concerns about vehicle damage, pedestrian safety and congestion as drivers attempt to avoid badly damaged sections of road.

Festive season complaints intensify

Complaints escalated during the festive season, when visitors travelling into Vryheid also voiced concerns about the poor condition of major routes such as the R34 and R69. Social media platforms were flooded with posts from frustrated road-users calling on AbaQulusi Local Municipality to prioritise road repairs.

Residents appeal for provincial intervention

Some residents have taken the matter further by writing directly to the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport, appealing for urgent intervention and warning that worsening road conditions could increase the risk of accidents. Local business owners have also spoken out, with one Vryheid businessman sharing a video of South Street and describing the situation as unbearable, saying that temporary repairs using sand and stones are repeatedly washed away during rain.

Councillor acknowledges frustration

Ward Councillor Elaine Rodway acknowledged the community’s frustration, but said work is ongoing to address the problem. “I am confident that we will see positive changes in the condition of our roads in the very near future, as AbaQulusi Municipality remains committed to addressing this issue through strategic planning and remedial action,” Rodway said.

Focus on long-term solutions

She added that the roads department has already been active in several affected areas. “With the continued, hands-on support of our mayor, SE Mkhwanazi, our roads department under Technical Services has already been working on several areas in town affected by potholes. We understand the frustration of the community and acknowledge the magnitude of this undertaking,” she said.

Rodway further stressed that the municipality is aiming for sustainable solutions rather than repeated temporary fixes. “Despite the challenges, we are working towards ensuring a smoother commute for the residents of our town. Our aim is to provide quality in delivering this crucial service to the public, and this can only be achieved through implementing a more long-term, lasting solution, rather than a quick fix,” she said.

Asphalt plant restoration under consideration

She also noted that the mayor has raised the issue of restoring the asphalt plant, which could play a key role in improving repair capacity. “While this is not without its own challenges, I strongly believe that the success of this initiative will be pivotal in overcoming the existing challenges we face in dealing with potholes and road conditions in Vryheid,” Rodway said.

Provincial response and ongoing concerns

At provincial level, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport has announced that road and bridge construction will be a major focus for 2026. MEC Siboniso Duma recently said the department is mobilising staff to accelerate pothole repairs and road maintenance across the province, particularly in response to damage caused by heavy rainfall.

For many residents, however, the situation on the ground remains difficult, with calls growing louder for urgent and visible improvements before road conditions worsen even further.