BOTHAVILLE – The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Nala Municipality has submitted questions to the Nala administrator demanding clarity on road maintenance plans, budget allocations, repair timelines and contingency measures following serious concerns about the deteriorating condition of key roads in and around Bothaville.

The move comes after the annual NAMPO Festival, which took place from 12 to 15 May, brought increased traffic volumes and heightened pressure on already compromised infrastructure.

The main access and internal roads in Bothaville are severely deteriorated, with widespread potholes and surface failures creating unsafe conditions for motorists and pedestrians. Motorists are frequently forced to alter normal driving patterns, including driving in the centre of the road or along the edges, to avoid vehicle damage, particularly during peak visitor periods.

Risk of collisions increased

The current state of the roads significantly increases the risk of collisions and congestion during high-traffic events. During NAMPO preparations, the municipality attempted to address the potholes by filling them with gravel, sand and stones, which is neither an ideal nor sustainable solution.

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These materials are easily washed away by rain into stormwater channels, resulting in blockages and further infrastructure problems.

Bothaville is a well-known maize town and the proud host of NAMPO, yet poor road conditions negatively impact the visitor experience, harm the town’s reputation and strain local businesses.

Stakeholder engagements have further highlighted that the deteriorating infrastructure is adversely affecting businesses and that the situation may worsen if urgent intervention is not undertaken.

The DA said the current condition of roads in Bothaville requires urgent and sustained attention to ensure public safety, protect the town’s economy and maintain investor confidence.

The party has urged Nala Municipality to respond urgently by 12 June and provide proper plans and due dates for when the roads will be fixed.

Calls for accountability

The DA, whose members participated in the oversight committee, has urged the Free State Provincial Legislature to enforce stricter accountability measures across all underperforming municipalities.

“The people of the Free State deserve transparent, competent and service-driven local government,” the party said in a statement following the inquiry.

The committee’s findings are expected to inform recommendations to the Provincial Executive regarding the future of both municipalities’ oversight arrangements.

The Free State Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) had not responded to a request for comment at the time of publication.