AfriForum branch in Piet Retief repairs potholes to the value of R135 000

The AfriForum branch in Piet Retief started repairing potholes in the industrial area of the town to the value of R135 000. AfriForum successfully launched a fundraising project together with local businesses. The AfriForum branch donated R15 000 to the project.

The Gert Sibande District Municipality already repaired potholes expanding over 7 000 square metres in the CBD. When the money for this project dried up, AfriForum decided to intervene and appoint a contractor to repair more potholes.

“AfriForum was able to buy 33 tons of tar with the money raised and will now fix potholes expanding over 900 square metres. However, potholes expanding over 35 000 square metres still need to be repaired,” said Johann Weber, chairman of the AfriForum branch in Piet Retief.

“This is the first road maintenance done in 20 years in the industrial area. I want to thank the Municipality as well as AfriForum for the initiative,” said Schubert Smith, a businessman in the area.

AfriForum met with the District Municipal Manager, Mr CA Habile, in October this year in an attempt to assure that the Municipality will be able to provide funds for the pothole project in 2016. AfriForum also plans on meeting with the Provincial Department of Roads and Transport as well as the Provincial Treasurer to discuss the possibility of funds for the upgrade of district roads on the outskirts of Piet Retief.

“AfriForum calls on all residents to become a part of the project by making a donation,” said Hein Gonzales, Provincial Coordinator for AfriForum in Mpumalanga.

Issued by Hein Gonzales, Provincial Coordinator: Mpumalanga, AfriForum, 16 November 2015