City accused of neglect as Delft battles potholes

A POTHOLE-riddled road in Delft has left residents frustrated and the ward councillor inundated with numerous complaints.

Residents have claimed the City of Cape Town has failed to prioritise the repairing of potholes in the area.

Though the quality of the road starts to deteriorate from Belhar, the potholes and serious damage to the road starts as you cross over the Stellenbosch Arterial and enter Delft.

And off Hindle Drive opposite Hindle High school, the potholes worsen. Motorist have to drive slower than usual to avoid damage to tyres.

Delft resident since 2009, Asavela Peko said potholes were a serious problem in the community, especially on the main road in Delft.

Peko said his tyres had been damaged at least twice. He claimed the potholes hadn’t been repaired in the past three to six months.

“What’s clear is that there seems to be uncaring from the government, because there are always potholes in the area.

“Our tyres get damaged all the time and its very frustrating for us as motorists,” Peko said.

He said the potholes had been repaired a few times before, but each time something else would be left damaged, such as stop signs or the pedestrian walk way.

“The City needs to do something about this and ensure that we have a sustainable solution and not have the same problem in the next two years.

“In some instances you find that the potholes are recurring and I suspect poor quality materials are used during construction,” Peko said.

Ward councillor Nobanathi Matutu said she was inundated by complaints from motorists.

“The potholes are a serious problem; these are not your typical potholes we have very deep holes especially on that stretch of road,” Matutu said.

She said she had reported the matter to the sub-council. “It is a waiting game and we are told to wait because contractors are busy in another ward.”

She said she hoped the City would formulate a plan for potholes in the area and surrounds to be repaired at the same time.

“It becomes a huge problem that other areas seem to be prioritised . This is frustrating because we have to answer to residents daily about these potholes,” she said.

“Everything starts from Belhar and I believe that Delft is the last area to receive any kind of service, “she said.

Mayco member for urban mobility Rob Quintas denied the area was neglected.

“This allegation is not true. The Delft Roads Depot attends to all our roads as soon as possible, pending weather conditions,” he said.