The N8 access route that leads to Nelson Mandela Drive is getting attention after recently drawing criticism from locals and tourists. In many parts of Bloemfontein contractors are resealing roads.
An estimated 260 tonnes of asphalt will be used on this stretch of road.
“Issues relating to the state of our roads is our first priority because the conditions of our roads affect our local businesses and the economy broadly,” said Maqueen Joyce Mathae, newly appointed MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport.
“We need to place a special focus on the quality of the roads we build. This means no service provider will be allowed to produce a substandard road in the Free State.”
Fikile Mbalula, Minister of Transport, recently announced R900 million would be injected into the embattled Mangaung Metro for road infrastructure projects, making potholes and crumbling roads a thing of the past.
Meanwhile, a local entrepreneur from Botshabelo near Bloemfontein has taken it upon himself to repair potholes in his neighbourhood, creating jobs for the youth.
Maine Molibeli, owner of Manchu Inn Cuisine, used his own money for the project. He said he wants to improve local living conditions while making sure he provides his clients with a friendly atmosphere. He could employ at least 25 young people by repairing the streets.
Mangaung spokesperson Qondile Khedama has not yet responded to enquiries about which roads will be prepared.
