The road will be temporarily closed from Sunday (9/11) to allow for the completion of ongoing road rehabilitation and paving works. The project scope includes the road surface rehabilitation and installation of interlocking paving along the affected section, said JB Marks spokesperson Jeanette Tshite.

Previously, one side of the road had remained open to traffic. Tshite said a full closure is now necessary to ensure the safe and efficient completion of the project.

This important infrastructure upgrade aims to improve road safety, enhance traffic flow, and provide a smoother driving experience for all road users.

Motorists and pedestrians travelling towards areas such as Dassierand, Ventersdorp, Ikageng, Potch-Industria, and Klerksdorp are advised to make use of alternative routes through the town during this period.

Tshite said the municipality will issue an update once rehabilitation works have been completed and the road reopened to traffic. The municipality has apologised for any inconvenience caused and appreciates the continued patience of all road users as we work to improve our road infrastructure.

In August, minister of transport, Barbara Creecy visited the area to conduct a critical inspection of road conditions. Her visit formed part of the Operation Vala Zonke Pothole Patching Programme. 

The initiative aims to address the widespread issue of potholes across the country, which has long been a significant concern for motorists and local communities alike.

JB Marks municipality has been grappling with road maintenance challenges for years. Two years ago, the municipality launched Operation Thuntsa Lerole as part of a local and provincial pothole-patching initiative aimed at expediting service delivery and improving road conditions.

North West has long struggled with road maintenance, particularly in rural areas. Earlier this year, premier Lazarus Mokgosi said more than 60% of the province’s population lives in rural areas, complicating efforts to improve infrastructure. 

He expressed concern about the state of the province’s roads, acknowledging its predominantly rural nature makes infrastructure management more challenging, especially compared to more developed provinces such as Gauteng and the Western Cape.

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OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg