FREE STATE – Calls for urgent maintenance on the deteriorating R59 have intensified as concerns grow over road safety, vehicle damage and the impact on businesses and commuters who rely on the strategic transport route.

The R59 is regarded as one of the country’s important regional transport corridors. Stretching approximately 421 kilometres from Hertzogville in the Free State to Alberton in Gauteng, it links major agricultural and industrial areas through Bothaville, Parys, Vereeniging and Sasolburg. The section between Sasolburg and Alberton forms part of the Sybrand van Niekerk Freeway.

The route plays a vital role in supporting agriculture, freight transport, manufacturing and tourism, making reliable infrastructure essential for economic activity across the Free State, Gauteng, North West and the Northern Cape.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has submitted a petition to the Free State Provincial Petitions Committee, urging the provincial Departments of Roads and Transport to expedite the transfer of the R59 to the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) while ensuring that essential maintenance continues in the interim.

The move comes as motorists, farmers, transport operators and local businesses continue to report worsening road conditions, particularly on sections between Bothaville and Vredefort, where large potholes, deteriorating road surfaces and faded road markings have become a daily hazard.

Although government has confirmed that the process to transfer responsibility for the road to SANRAL is under way, road users say visible improvements have yet to materialise.

According to the DA, residents continue to lodge complaints about damaged vehicles, dangerous intersections and inadequate road safety measures. The party argues that maintenance cannot be delayed while administrative processes are finalised.

Another point of concern is that community members and local organisations attempting to repair potholes or improve dangerous sections have reportedly been instructed by the provincial Department of Roads to stop, despite the absence of permanent repairs.

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The party maintains that the provincial government remains responsible for maintaining the route until SANRAL officially assumes control.

Road users have increasingly expressed concern that deteriorating conditions are contributing to accidents, increasing transport costs and discouraging investment along the corridor.

While the transfer to SANRAL is expected to pave the way for more comprehensive rehabilitation of the road, motorists and businesses continue to call for immediate maintenance to improve safety until the process is complete.

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