R19.2 million allocated to repair an important road but it remains in a dangerous and dilapidated state

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03-09-2026
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Newsday
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The D447 road between Kgapane and Tzaneen remains in a dangerous, dilapidated state despite R19.2 million having been allocated for repairs.

The road is a core artery in the surrounding area and is used by residents and workers for their daily commute.

The D447 is also key to the area’s major economic activities, and the failure to maintain the road hampers local economic development.

Marie Helm, a member of the Limpopo Provincial Legislature, said that they have conducted an oversight inspection of the road.

This oversight inspection followed numerous complaints from residents, taxi operators and motorists.

“The road seems to be caving in on both sides and is in poor condition due to shoddy workmanship and erosion of the layers beneath the tar,” she said.

“The road also poses a threat to pedestrians, as there are no warning signs of the condition of the road.”

What is particularly concerning, Helm said, was that money was set aside to repair the road to address motorists’ concerns.

There was a memorandum of agreement between Roads Agency Limpopo, Greater Letaba Municipality and Mopani District Municipality.

This agreement was to address the damaged condition of the D447 road and carry out remedial work to rehabilitate it.

The project was allocated R19.2 million, and repairs of the D447 were meant to start on 13 May 2024 and were due to be completed by 30 August 2025.

However, the road was not repaired and remained in a dismal state, causing a danger to motorists and other road users.

To address the problems, Helm called on the MEC for Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure, Ernest Rachoene, to intervene.

She will also ask Rachoene for clarity on the department’s plans and timelines for the road’s restoration.