Limpopo Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure, MEC Tonny Ernest Rachoene.
The Limpopo Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure has launched a full investigation into reports of wasted road maintenance materials in the Hoedspruit area.
MEC Tonny Ernest Rachoene ordered the Head of Department to investigate after photos began circulating on social media showing bags of asphalt dumped and abandoned along portions of the R531 in the Maruleng Local Municipality. The online photos show stalled maintenance work and precious building materials left sitting unused on the roadside.
The discovery has raised tempers because the surrounding community is in urgent need of road repairs. Recent heavy floods severely damaged local infrastructure, leaving many roads full of hazardous potholes and difficult to navigate.
Speaking on the matter, MEC Rachoene made it clear that public resources must be used responsibly and protected from waste. He stressed that asphalt is currently in high demand across the province to fix battered infrastructure.
“The department together with SANRAL must jointly investigate this matter, because it can’t be that resources are dumped just like that, especially at a time when we need it the most,” Rachoene stated. “These are resources that have been bought with taxpayers’ money and we can’t allow this. Should the investigations reveal that there was any wrongdoing from the side of the contractor or any official, drastic measures and consequence management will be meted out on responsible individuals.”
The probe will be a joint effort involving the department, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL), and the Roads Agency Limpopo (RAL). Together, the agencies aim to find out why workers abandoned the site and who allowed asphalt bags to be left exposed on the roadside.
Department officials reassured the public that they remain committed to making sure roads across the province are safe and drivable. If the joint investigation uncovers negligence or corruption by contractors or government officials, those responsible will face harsh disciplinary action and formal consequences.