BLOEMFONTEIN – The DA in Bloemfontein has raised serious concerns about the growing problem of heavy freight vehicles entering residential areas of the city, resulting in significant damage to road infrastructure. The party has written to councillors Vusi Soqaga and Logan Kruger, the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality’s (MMM) Members of the Mayoral Committee (MMCs) for Infrastructure Services and Public Safety and Transport.
The party has raised grave concerns specifically about heavy freight vehicles near the Fleurdal Mall and related residential access routes. Lyle Bouwer, DA councillor, said immediate action is required to address the ongoing problem of freight vehicles in residential areas.
“In Bloemfontein, heavy trucks have been frequently observed using residential streets as shortcuts or alternative routes to avoid traffic congestion and law enforcement. Roads and infrastructure not designed to carry heavy loads – including many residential and narrow secondary routes – are experiencing accelerated wear and deterioration as a result. The damage has had a wide-ranging impact, disrupting local mobility, increasing vehicle operating costs, and slowing emergency response times,” said Bouwer. He added that residents in affected communities have also raised concerns about increased noise pollution and a reduced quality of life.
In its correspondence, the DA requested that both MMCs immediately implement measures to manage freight transport through the city while protecting public infrastructure. These measures include:
■ Strict enforcement of designated truck routes throughout the city;
■ prioritisation of road repairs in areas affected by heavy-vehicle damage;
■ stringent regulation of heavy vehicles in light of their documented impact on road wear; and
■ ongoing monitoring to ensure the sustainability, safety, and functionality of Bloemfontein’s road network.
