Note to Broadcasters: Please find attached soundbites in English and Afrikaans by Cornél Dreyer
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality has raised serious concerns about the deteriorating condition of rural roads in the Zeerust area, with the D132 route near Enselsberg standing as one of the most alarming examples of government neglect (see photos here, here, and here).
Despite an upgrade project historically initiated by the North West Department of Public Works and Roads, the work was never completed. As a result, the road surface has become unsafe and unreliable, with basic maintenance now being carried out by local farmers simply to keep the route usable.
The DA has formally written to the Chairperson of Department of Community Safety and Transport Management (COSATMA), the MEC for Public Works and Roads, and the Executive Mayor of the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, calling for urgent intervention to address the crisis.
The D132 route is a critical access road serving at least ten broiler farms in the area. Industry stakeholders have warned that contracts with local growers could be terminated if the road remains inaccessible to transport vehicles. Should this happen, the consequences would be devastating for local livelihoods, resulting in job losses and severe economic damage in an already struggling rural economy.
The incomplete upgrade project raises serious concerns about accountability. Funds were allocated, contractors were appointed, and partial works were undertaken, yet completion certificates were never issued, and the project was never finalised.
Communities are now left to deal with the consequences of a project that should have improved infrastructure but instead left it in a worse condition.
The DA also notes that the D132 is not an isolated case. Across the Zeerust region, several rural roads are collapsing due to incomplete projects, lack of maintenance, and prolonged neglect by authorities.
This systemic failure undermines agriculture, tourism, and local economic activity, while also raising serious questions about compliance with governance and oversight obligations under legislation such as the Municipal Finance Management Act, the Public Audit Act, and the National Road Traffic Act.
The DA is therefore calling for:
- Immediate disclosure of contractor records and expenditure details related to the failed upgrade projects.
- Urgent maintenance and rehabilitation of the D132 and other critical rural routes in the Zeerust area.
- Clear accountability from municipal and provincial authorities responsible for protecting and maintaining public infrastructure.
Road infrastructure is a vital public asset. When roads collapse, it is not merely an inconvenience; it threatens jobs, disrupts farming operations, and places residents at risk.
The people of Zeerust deserve functioning infrastructure, transparent governance, and decisive action from those entrusted with managing public resources.