The R36 road connecting Lydenburg and Machadodorp has become a nightmare for motorists, residents, and local businesses, as construction remains incomplete after the contractor abandoned the project due to unpaid bills. The Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads, and Transport is now locked in a legal battle with the contractor, while the road—handed over to SANRAL despite being unfinished—continues to pose serious hazards.
Dust, Danger, and Disruption
What was meant to be an upgraded route has turned into a dust-choked disaster, with farmers reporting ruined crops and residents suffering from respiratory illnesses due to constant pollution.
“Everything is full of dust—it’s like mud in the mornings,” said one farmer. “People here have lung problems, allergies… they have to live with this every day.”
The road’s poor condition also endangers school transport, with buses navigating treacherous conditions while competing with speeding trucks. A school transport operator revealed:
“We carry about 150 children daily on this bad road. Trucks pass by so fast you can’t see anything. Last year, there was an accident involving a school bus. Every time you travel, you wonder if you’ll make it back alive.”
Businesses Suffer Amid Neglect
Local establishments, including food outlets, are struggling as customers complain about dust pollution, noise, and the unbearable drive.
“The environmental and safety violations are so bad that we get complaints every week,” a business owner said. “With 1,200 to 1,400 trucks passing daily, the road is beyond repair—it’s killing our livelihoods.”
Department Shifts Responsibility, SANRAL Silent
The Mpumalanga Department of Public Works claims the road has been transferred to SANRAL for management, despite its incomplete state. However, residents say nothing has changed, and neither the department nor SANRAL has provided a clear timeline for repairs.
Frustrated locals have called the situation “unacceptable” and “a disgrace,” demanding urgent intervention before more accidents occur.
As legal disputes delay progress, the people of Badfortein are left choking on dust and fearing for their safety—with no resolution in sight.
