The Free State’s Mangaung Metro has come under scrutiny as the worsening state of its road infrastructure continues to impact residents and motorists. 

Years of neglect, compounded by recent heavy rains, have left many roads riddled with potholes, making daily commutes hazardous and damaging to vehicles .Opposition parties have seized on the crisis, intensifying their calls during council meetings for a more aggressive and well-structured intervention plan.

They argued that the time for reactive maintenance is over and demand a long-term strategy to overhaul critical infrastructure, including roads, water systems, and sanitation.Mangaung Mayor Gregory Nthatisi, in an interview with OFM News, acknowledged the severity of the situation. He said the metro is already trying to address some of the challenges despite its limited resources.

“We have had enormous rain lately and I would call it a little bit of an abnormal rain. It does address the water that is scarce, but at the same time it has left us with a lot of challenges on potholes, on stormwater, on destroyed houses and informal settlements where our people have located their homes, but which are not habitable. These are serious challenges” he said.

Nthatisi stressed that the municipality is doing what it can within its constraints. “The limitations that are faced by the Metro are far reaching, including serious problems with roads, water and sanitation. These are critical issues impacting human rights that the Metro must address.” Nthatisi said the Metro has begun redirecting its already strained resources. However, he pointed out that sustainable progress depends on residents fulfilling their responsibilities as ratepayers.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi lh