R900 million set aside to upgrade ghastly roads in Free State – says Minister Mbalula

Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula says more than R900 million is on the pipeline to fix state of poor roads in the Free State Province.

Mr Fix as he’s fondly known, made this thrilling announcement at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Mangaung, where a full house, comprising of government officials engaged with the community of Free State as part of the first leg for Presidential Imbizo.

Taking to the podium, Minister Mbalula strongly emphasised that road infrastructure in most parts of the province is a grave concern, and this is awakening alarm for the ANC-led government to correct their past mistakes.

ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE COMING TO THE FREE STATE

" R900 million has been set aside to fix roads in the Free State" Transport Minister, Fikile Mbalula. #PresidentialImbizo #LeaveNoOneBehind #buildithefreestatewewant https://t.co/Q0cxr3PcrZ pic.twitter.com/TQ0aFXwWnF

— FS Government (@fsgov) April 9, 2022

Mbalula noted all issues raised by community members, and pledged that post-Easter holidays, he will re-visit Mangaung and Soutpan township, located in Lejweleputswa, to attend concerns over poor roads in these areas.

He added that, his ministry will consult with the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) in bid to assist with their budget for community development to revamp roads.

“We have to close potholes at all times, and we are going to come here again after Easter to fix this ailing matter of Soutpan’s poor roads and as well as in Mangaung,” said Mbalula.

“I am going to implement these actions, and this is not a fairytale story to tell you, and we are also going to combat all criminal elements in this province,” pledged the Minister.

During the #PresidentialImbizo, citizens from communities in different parts of the province not only get an opportunity to raise issues directly with the President.

I responded to the questions related to Transport #LeaveNoOneBehind pic.twitter.com/rgDm9dkWGr

— FIKILE MBALULA | MR FIX (@MbalulaFikile) April 9, 2022

Residents from various townships in Free State are complaining over the poor state of roads.

In Lejweleputswa District, the disastrous R30 road between Allanridge and Bothaville has came under the spotlight, following rapid increase of accidents occurring in this road, despite numerous interventions from the provincial roads department to fix the suicidal road.