The Free State is being engulfed by collapsing road infrastructure

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18-02-2026
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NovaNews
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Collapsing roads and failing infrastructure are negatively affecting the economy, the morale, the living conditions and the livelihoods of the embattled residents of the Free State.

This province’s road infrastructure is in a state of crisis, with over 60% of roads in areas like Mangaung in poor condition due to chronic neglect, mismanagement, and poor contractor performance. Bothaville, Wesselsbron, Ventersburg, Welkom, Hennenman and Odendaalsrus are all being severely affected by collapsing roads.

Failing infrastructure is severely impacting the agricultural sector, stalling economic development, and causing hazardous driving conditions. Road projects like the R709 (Tweespruit–Excelsior) and R708 (Clocolan–Marquard) have failed due to incompetent contractors and lack of oversight. And in areas like Bothaville/Wesselsbron broken roads are severely hurting the agricultural economy.

The crumbling infrastructure is deterring investors, increasing operating costs for businesses, and limiting access to essential services. In municipality’s like Mangaung Metro over 60% of roads are in poor condition, and in Dihlabeng Local Municipality deteriorating roads are hindering economic development.

Road repairs are frequently reduced to temporary gravel fixes that wash away. The provincial Department of Roads and Transport has faced consistent criticism for failing to maintain critical infrastructure. 

In Mafube Locl Municipality the Democratic Alliance (DA) will formally request urgent national intervention through CoGTA and raise the matter in the NCOP, demanding decisive action to restore governance and basic service delivery.

This municipality, like Matjhabeng Local Municipality, is under a Section 139(5)(a) and (c) provincial intervention. Both municipalities continue to suffer from poor revenue collection, mounting debt, and resistance to viable public-private partnerships.

The deterioration of roads and storm water infrastructure in Frankfort, Namahadi, Villiers and Qalabotjha has reached crisis point. On 11 February 2026, business owners were forced to pay a private contractor to repair dangerous potholes simply to keep their businesses accessible. When roads become impassable, trade declines, jobs are placed at risk, and local economic activity slows — deepening poverty and frustration.

And as is also the case in Odendaalsrus (Matjhabeng), excuses from the technical department, range from supply chain delays to unavailable vehicles.

Maxie Badenhorst, DA Councillor in Matjhabeng, says the disconnect between reported progress and lived reality is starkly illustrated by the Fourie Street crisis in Hennenman. She says that nearly a year ago, a formal petition highlighted the total collapse of road infrastructure, with Fourie Street specifically mentioned as critical.

“Despite public exposure and formal Council engagement, the response amounted to a single paragraph with no meaningful intervention,” she say.

Cllr. Suzette Steyn – DA Councillor Mafube Municipality in turn says this reflects that the municipality is unable to fulfil its constitutional mandate. “Provincial intervention is intended to stabilise governance, restore services, improve revenue collection, and rebuild public trust. Instead, residents face sewage spillages, inaccessible roads, and severe water losses, with 71% of treated water reportedly lost according to the AGSA,” says Steyn.