Motorists using the R57 road often might soon be able to drive more comfortably on the road as the Department of Police, Roads and Transport (DPRT) is launching a programme to patch potholes on the R57 towards Vaalpark, Sasolburg. Department MEC, William Bulwane, will officially launch the programme on Monday, 8 August at 09:00.

 According to spokesperson, Hillary Mophethe, the programme will cover various roads across the Free State Province and aims to eradicate potholes on these roads to ensure motorists can travel safely and without fear of damaging their vehicles. MEC Bulwane wants to make sure that potholes are fixed in the FS Province within the next six months. The team will start work as from 08 August 2022 and will move from district to district to ensure that roads in all corners of the Free State are patched over.

Mr Mophethe says any pothole deeper than 100 mm will first be filled with modified gravel up to 30 mm. Depending on the material that is on the ground, the top three centimetres will then be filled with hot asphalt or cold mix to close all gaps so water cannot penetrate into the area. The Department will work together with municipalities and other relevant stakeholders to ensure all affected roads are identified and repaired.

Report by: Cornelius D. Mofokeng.