Urgency for Completion of Newcastle Road Repairs as Pothole Concerns Grow

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19-06-2025
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New Castillian News
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After years of neglect, Newcastle’s road infrastructure is finally receiving the critical attention needed to ensure that pothole-riddled roads are safe for motorists navigating the town. However, concerns linger about whether certain sections of Newcastle’s roads are being overlooked.

Residents travelling along Drakensberg Drive in Amajuba Park and Barry Hertzog Park are particularly affected, as they must navigate potholes and areas where the Newcastle Municipality has begun road repairs by excavating sections of the surface, but the work remains unfinished.

A resident living along Drakensberg Drive in Barry Hertzog Park explained that approximately three weeks ago, large sections of asphalt were removed in preparation for pothole repairs, exposing the underlying gravel and soil base. The resident, who preferred to remain anonymous, stated, “Unfortunately, these areas remain unrepaired, and the exposed bases are sustaining significant damage due to ongoing traffic. This has led to the formation of new potholes in the exposed soil/gravel base, and further deterioration of the road infrastructure.”

The resident further highlighted that the delay in applying the new asphalt layer is exacerbating the damage, compromising the integrity of the prepared surfaces and increasing the scope and cost of necessary repairs.

“To prevent further deterioration and escalating costs, I urgently request that the municipality prioritise the completion of these repairs by applying the asphalt to the prepared sections,” emphasised the frustrated resident.

Additionally, the resident stressed that timely action is critical to maintaining safe and functional roads for the Newcastle community, urging the municipality to review the planning and timelines for these repairs to ensure that future preparations are followed immediately by the completion of the asphalt application.

Another resident stated, “The way the roads have been left is extremely dangerous, especially during the evenings. As the days are now shorter, the municipality has to address Drakensberg Drive where they have started cutting into the road, to ensure that no one has a serious accident due to the work done so far on the road.”

According to Newcastle Municipality’s Ward 5 Councillor, Cllr Musa Ndlovu, the incomplete work on Drakensberg Drive has become highly problematic.

“When the technical services team began cutting the asphalt for repairs, as they did in the CBD, it was expected that they would repair the road immediately as they did in the CBD. However, it is becoming worrying that nothing is being done,” said Cllr Ndlovu.

With this in mind, the councillor explained that he had raised the issues of potholes, road maintenance, and other service delivery concerns with the Newcastle Municipal Manager, who promised support. “I will also be going to the director of the relevant department to ask him what is happening and when will the repair work be complete, as it cannot just be left like this, especially as the Newcastle Municipality said it would be prioritising the main roads in Newcastle when doing the necessary repairs, and Drakensberg Drive is one of the main roads in town,” the Ward Councillor stressed.

As Cllr Ndlovu now prepares to take the matter further to investigate why Drakensberg Drive has been left with sections of asphalt removed, the Newcastle Municipality has stated that it was continuing to deliver on its promises to improve the lives of Newcastle residents through the pothole patching programme.

On this note, the Municipality’s Communications Unit explained that with the programme launched a month ago, this initiative is growing from strength to strength with an intention of leaving all roads of Newcastle smooth and driver-friendly.

The Municipality has noted that so far it has worked along the KwaMathukuza main road, Harding Street, and Madadeni, Section 5, near Eyeth Junction.

As the teams are currently working both day and night, the Municipality’s Communications Unit stated, “As we continue to work tirelessly to repair and resurface roads, certain sections have undergone cutting to facilitate effective patching. We urge motorists to exercise caution as they drive through areas that are pre-prepared for repair and appreciate their cooperation as we work to enhance the city’s infrastructure.”

It should be noted that as reported by Newcastillian News on 29 May 2025, Newcastle Municipal Manager Zamani Mcinecka stated that the municipality must address local roads in the coming months, as their current state is unacceptable. “It is important to point out, that as with the water infrastructure, the road infrastructure has reached its lifespan and will need to be fully rehabilitated,” he said at the time.

Moreover, the Newcastle Municipality stated that it had taken a proactive approach to enhancing traffic safety in Murchison Street through its Road Marking initiative.

This project, according to the Communications Unit, aims to improve pedestrian safety, optimise traffic flow, and strengthen the general road infrastructure. “Clear road markings are essential for maintaining efficient vehicle flow and reducing the likelihood of accidents, particularly in high-traffic areas,” stated the Communications Unit at the time.

In conclusion, while the Newcastle Municipality has made commendable strides in addressing the town’s road infrastructure challenges, the ongoing delays on Drakensberg Drive highlight a critical need for improved planning and execution. The municipality’s pothole patching and road marking initiatives demonstrate a commitment to enhancing safety and functionality, yet the incomplete repairs underscore the urgency of aligning preparation with timely completion to prevent further deterioration and ensure motorist safety.