By OBAKENG MAJE
The North West Taxi Council (NWTC) said they were shocked to learn that R86 million allocated to the North West Public Works department was unused and forced to be returned.
This follows the Minister of Transport, Fikile Mbalula’s startling revelation at the Presidential Imbizo held a week ago in Mahikeng, North West. The NWTC chairperson, Ebusang Tladi said it is embarrassing to see the roads across the province in bad condition, whereas there is money allocated.
“There is a constant demand for good quality infrastructure, transportation and services in the province. However, the province is lagging behind as the bad condition of the roads issue is not addressed.
“We are adversely affected by the bad condition of the roads. However, as the taxi industry, we directly contribute to the economic growth of this country and we need to have accessible roads,” he said.
Tladi said, in December 2021, they had an engagement with the department over the condition of the road between Schweizer Reneke and Wolmarastad because of potholes found in that route.
He said inaccessible roads contribute to the increase of taxi fares because our minibus taxis are damaged by the roads.
“There is a road between Matsheng and Molelema villages in Taung, which is a D221. The contractor downed tools there after he was allegedly not paid by the department. You go to the Brits CBD, the roads there are in bad condition.
“We see many inaccessible roads across the province and on the other hand, there is money that is unused. What does that say about the people in leadership positions? We cannot afford to pay expensive petrol and also cater for our minibus taxis damaged by bad conditions on various roads,” said Tladi.
He said it is so unfortunate that they will get a fine from traffic officers because of a damaged light or windscreen, but when they explain that has happened because of bad road conditions, they get no answers.
Tladi said one day they will protest against the bad condition of the roads.
Meanwhile, Mbalula said SANRAL has taken back some of the national roads. He said what has happened in the Wolmaranstad, where the Maquassi Hills Local Municipality allegedly dug the national road, was because of bad governance and corruption.
“The problem here is mismanagement and corruption. This is a national road and it was supposed to be maintained by SANRAL. The then provincial government took a decision to maintain this road. However, this is what has happened and this is the only national road that looks like this.
“The money allocated to the province to fix roads had rolled-over because people wanted to take control, so that they could pass the javelin without thinking for the masses. How can the government take that policy?” he said.
“When you look at this place, these are not even potholes, but Kimberley Hole. This is a mess and the Premier understands that we must take over this road and maintain it. You will never see a scandal like in this administration,” he said.
The North West Public Works and Roads departmental spokesperson, Matshube Mfoloe failed to respond to our inquiry before going to print.
The Guardian 