KOUGA – Concerned residents have once again raised the alarm over the deteriorating condition of the R330 after recent flooding left the route riddled with hundreds of new potholes, despite a community-led repair initiative that restored some of the road’s most hazardous sections earlier this year.

A resident involved in the repair effort, who asked to remain anonymous, said the flood in May this year was a major setback for the community.

“We were devastated that over 200 new potholes have appeared or opened up from previous inadequate provincial repairs,” he said.

The resident said that while the community’s earlier repairs have remained intact, the overall condition of the road has worsened in many areas following the latest flooding.

He said that the community had previously mobilised support through local WhatsApp and Facebook groups, raising more than R220,000 from businesses and private individuals to fund pothole repairs along the route.

As previously reported, repair work began on 31 March after a contractor was appointed, and by late April, there were no significant potholes from Cape St Francis through the dip approaching Humansdorp, with final work underway near the dairy farms.

According to the resident, the more than 200 potholes repaired during that campaign have withstood the recent flooding.

“The road is worse than before in many areas, although the over 200 potholes we repaired are still fully intact,” he said.

The renewed damage has already affected motorists using the route.

“There have been many punctures and damaged rims, especially in Cape St Francis,” the resident said.

While most of the original funding was used for the initial repair programme, the resident said that approximately R30,000 remained available.

He added that a new fundraising appeal had been launched to address the latest damage and had received strong support from the community.

“We have received an excellent response with more than R100,000 raised over the last couple of weeks,” he said.

The resident confirmed that funding has already been received specifically to repair the newly formed potholes. Looking ahead, he said that temporary repairs alone would not solve the ongoing problem.

“The only solution is a full upgrade and resurfacing of the entire road,” he said.

Eastern Cape Department of Transport spokesperson, Unathi Binqose, said that the department remains concerned about the condition of sections of the R330 and the impact recent heavy rainfall and flooding have had on the road network in the Kouga area.

He said that the department has engaged with stakeholders regarding concerns raised about the R330 and that correspondence and matters brought to the department’s attention are receiving the necessary consideration, and engagements with relevant authorities are ongoing to ensure that road infrastructure challenges are addressed through the appropriate channels.

“The recent severe weather conditions experienced across parts of the province have unfortunately affected a number of roads, including sections that had previously undergone maintenance interventions,” said Binqose.

He further said that it is important to distinguish between routine pothole repairs and full road rehabilitation.

“Pothole patching serves as a maintenance measure aimed at preserving road safety and mobility, while long-term solutions require substantial reconstruction and resurfacing projects, which are subject to funding availability and procurement processes,” said Binqose.

He said that the department is aware of concerns raised by road users regarding vehicle damage allegedly linked to the deteriorating condition of the road.

Binqose said that while reports have been received through various channels, the department does not maintain a consolidated database of all vehicle damage incidents attributed to specific road defects.

He said that motorists who believe they have suffered damage may follow the prescribed processes for lodging claims, which are assessed on their individual merits and subject to applicable legal and administrative requirements.

Binqose further said that assessment and verification of road defects are ongoing as conditions continue to change following recent rainfall.

“District teams continue to monitor affected sections and update maintenance requirements accordingly. The number of potholes requiring attention is therefore dynamic and subject to revision as inspections are completed,” said Binqose.

He said that the department acknowledges that sustained improvements to the R330 will require more than routine maintenance interventions.

Binqose said that matters relating to planned upgrades, procurement processes and project implementation timelines are managed in accordance with prescribed supply chain management and infrastructure delivery processes.

He said that further details regarding any tender processes and implementation timelines will be communicated once the relevant processes have been concluded and the necessary approvals are in place.

“The department continues to implement interim measures aimed at improving road safety and maintaining mobility. These include pothole patching where conditions permit, placement and maintenance of warning signage, routine inspections, and prioritisation of critical defects identified by maintenance teams. The effectiveness and timing of these interventions are influenced by weather conditions and resource availability,” said Binqose.

He further said that the department fully appreciates the frustrations experienced by residents, businesses and road users who depend on the R330. Binqose said that while recent weather events have exacerbated existing challenges, teams continue to assess the route and implement interventions within available resources.

“The department remains committed to working with municipalities, affected communities and other stakeholders to improve the condition of the road network and ensure the safety of all road users,” said Binqose.

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