Central SA
Concerns over deterioration of R57 road between Kestell and Reitz─── ZENANDE MPAME 06:00 Sun, 27 Jul 2025
The continued deterioration of the R57 road between Kestell and Reitz has drawn sharp criticism from the DA, which has long expressed concerns about its quality and safety.
This particular road is part of the Community Safety, Roads, and Transport MEC Jabu Mbalula’s projects that will be starting in the 2025/26 financial year. About R41 million was allocated to address this road, among others.
“This stretch of road is not only a daily risk to road users but also a critical link in the region’s agricultural and transport economy,” said Free State DA Roads and Transport legislature spokesperson Jafta Mokoena.
“Farmers rely heavily on this route to move goods, and its current state hampers productivity and road safety. The people of the Free State deserve infrastructure that is safe. We will continue to push for action to ensure this vital road is brought up to standard.”
While delivering his budget speech in June, MEC Mbalula outlined a R1.4 billion allocation for special maintenance projects, aiming to improve mobility, boost local economies, and address safety concerns.
He emphasised that increased freight movement has placed immense strain on the province’s road networks, necessitating targeted interventions to prevent premature failures.
This is not the only road with problems in the province; the R708 road between Marquard and Clocolan is considered one of the most dangerous roads in the Free State.
The state of the R708 between Marquard and Clocolan sparked public outrage earlier in July. Local farmers, taxi operators, and community members, fed up with years of unfulfilled promises, shut down the road and handed a memorandum to the Free State government.
OFM News previously reported the department confirmed in a letter that the first payment of R1.89 million for the contractor’s site construction had already been made on 25 March.
“Further payments will follow, based on progress reports submitted for the project,” said Mbalula. The project was scheduled to start on 27 November and last 24 months, with a projected completion date of 26 November next year.
“Stakeholder engagement remains a key part of the plan, with the formation of a steering committee that meets monthly.”
