Over the past five years, nearly R7 billion has been invested in upgrading and maintaining road infrastructure in the North West province. The funds were allocated to convert gravel roads to surfaced roads, expand existing routes, and perform essential maintenance. However, provincial authorities say the current annual budget of R2 billion is insufficient to meet the growing demands of road rehabilitation and construction.
Funding Shortfalls and Maintenance Struggles
Despite the substantial investment, the provincial government warns that without increased funding, achieving fully paved roads across the region remains unlikely.
“It will never be possible to have paved roads in this province if we only receive R2 billion annually,” a government representative stated. “We must construct new roads while maintaining existing ones, including rehabilitation and resealing. A road built today requires maintenance within six years—it’s not just about building endlessly.”
Potholes and Economic Impact
While efforts continue to upgrade gravel roads, many surfaced roads are deteriorating, plagued by potholes that disrupt transport and commerce. Road users, particularly in the freight industry, report severe financial losses due to vehicle damage and delays.
One transport operator explained: “Many businesses have shut down because of unroadworthy conditions. Vehicles get stuck for days, and operators still have to pay installments on trucks that aren’t running. If you’re only operational for 10 days instead of 15 due to delays, you risk losing your vehicle.”
The increased maintenance costs for fleets have also driven up freight expenses, ultimately raising the price of goods.
Poor Workmanship and Engineering Concerns
Experts highlight that substandard construction practices contribute to the short lifespan of some roads. Proper engineering standards, quality materials, and competent contractors are essential for durability.
“If shortcuts are taken—like poor compaction during construction—roads develop weak layers, leading to rapid deterioration and potholes,” an industry specialist noted.
Economic Consequences
The declining road network is harming the provincial economy, affecting fuel efficiency, vehicle performance, and market accessibility. Farmers and manufacturers face difficulties transporting goods, forcing detours and delays that disrupt supply chains.
Sanral’s Role and Future Projects
The South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) is maintaining approximately 40 roads in the province and has allocated R30 million for road projects in the current financial year. However, with the scale of the infrastructure backlog, stakeholders argue that much more investment is needed.
As the North West grapples with balancing construction and maintenance, the call for increased funding and better project execution grows louder—with businesses and commuters bearing the brunt of the ongoing challenges.
