East London, Eastern Cape – The deteriorating state of roads in Buffalo City Metro has left motorists fuming, with pothole-riddled streets causing accidents, damaging vehicles, and stifling tourism and business growth. Despite a municipal initiative to address the issue, delays in repairs have forced taxi drivers to take matters into their own hands.
Taxi Drivers Forced to Fix Roads Themselves
Frustrated by the Metro’s slow progress in repairing roads, some taxi operators have resorted to patching potholes with cement and sand to keep their vehicles operational.
“With all these accidents and tire punctures, we’re constantly spending money on repairs instead of making profits,” said a local taxi driver. “Our group in the taxi association decided to fix the road ourselves as a temporary solution just so we can move smoothly.”
Motorists say the poor road conditions force them to drive slowly, leading to lost business as commuters seek alternative transport.
Municipal Efforts Hampered by Budget Delays
In 2023, the Buffalo City Metro launched Operation Valazonke (Close All) to repair potholes, but the project has faced repeated delays due to budget constraints and payment disputes with service providers.
Authorities admit the situation is worsened by climate change, with heavy rains further damaging already weak road surfaces.
“The materials we use need to improve because our coastal location and climate issues make roads vulnerable,” said a Metro representative.
Economic Impact: Tourism and Investment at Risk
Local businesses warn that the crumbling infrastructure is hurting East London’s ability to compete with cities like Cape Town and Durban for tourists and investors.
“Part of creating a beautiful city is prioritizing road repairs,” said a business representative. “We’re competing for the same investors and tourists, but poor roads drive them away.”
Metro Allocates R390 Million for Repairs
The Buffalo City Metro has announced R300 million set aside for road maintenance this financial year, along with an additional R90 million grant from the National Treasury. However, residents and motorists remain skeptical, demanding faster action.
For now, taxi drivers and commuters continue to navigate the hazardous roads, hoping for a permanent solution before more damage is done—to both their vehicles and the local economy.
