The R720 road between Koppies, Edenville and Heilbron continues to deteriorate with no active repair project currently allocated, according to the Free State Department’s response to parliamentary questions.

The department confirmed that while R10 million has been allocated for the 2026/27 financial year, no spending has taken place, no contractor has been appointed and the procurement process has not yet been finalised.

The deteriorated road condition affects daily commuters, farmers, transport operators, emergency services, school transport providers and residents who rely on the route. The poor state of the road poses safety risks, damages vehicles, increases transport costs and negatively affects economic activity in the region.

According to Cllr Carina Serfontein, DA mayoral candidate for Ngwathe Local Municipality, the department cannot provide an accurate completion timeline because procurement has not been finalised.

The DA has submitted requests to the MEC and department for:

• A detailed implementation plan and timeline for the R720 project
• Expedited procurement and contractor appointment
• Regular public progress reports
• Urgent interim maintenance measures to improve road safety while the full project is being finalised

The department’s response indicates that communities relying on the R720 remain without certainty on when meaningful repairs will begin, despite longstanding concerns raised by road users about the critical state of the infrastructure.

The condition of the provincial road continues to impact transport efficiency and service delivery in the Ngwathe area while the procurement process remains incomplete.

ALSO READ: DA escalates R720 road collapse to provincial department