The deteriorating condition of several major roads leading into Kariega has come under renewed scrutiny after the matter was raised during a recent Nelson Mandela Bay council meeting by Councillor Roelf Basson.

Motorists travelling on the M19 between Swartkops and Kariega, the Old Cape Road between Rocklands and Kariega, and the R334 linking Motherwell and Kariega have reported severe pothole damage, with some drivers suffering punctures and vehicle damage. Concerns have also been raised over non-functional streetlights along these routes, which residents say make it difficult to identify hazards at night and increase the risk of accidents.

Following Basson’s intervention and growing public frustration, questions have been submitted to the municipality regarding road maintenance, repair plans and responsibility for the affected roads.

Kariega resident Lilitha Mali, who shared her experience after standing on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck, said, “Seeing other motorists who had experienced the same issue provided some reassurance that we were not alone. When our tyres burst, another vehicle was already stranded after hitting the same pothole. However, they had only one damaged tyre and were able to leave shortly afterwards, whereas we had three.

“As we waited for assistance, several vehicles stopped to ask whether we needed help, and some individuals even got out of their cars. While their concern may have been genuine, being stranded on a dark roadside meant we had no way of knowing their intentions. This uncertainty heightened our fear and anxiety.

As women waiting for a tow truck, we felt particularly vulnerable and exposed.

Mali added that the condition of the M19 is dangerous and unacceptable. “The large potholes not only cause significant damage to vehicles but also place motorists in potentially unsafe situations. Being forced to remain on the side of a poorly lit road for an extended period creates serious safety concerns and exposes road users to risks that could have been avoided through proper road maintenance.”

Another Kariega resident, Aphiwe Zinto, said that he lost two tyres to the same pothole at around 23:00 on Friday night. “What made the situation even worse was the complete lack of streetlights on that road. While dealing with the damage, we also had to worry about oncoming cars not seeing the pothole or even seeing us standing there, which could easily have caused an even bigger tragedy.”

Zinto added that “as taxpayers, we deserve better than this level of negligence. Roads and adequate infrastructure are not luxuries; they are essential for public safety. Sadly, as a resident of Nelson Mandela Bay, I cannot even say I am surprised anymore. The deterioration and lack of accountability have become far too common, and ordinary residents are the ones paying the price.”

Questions were sent to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) regarding the potholes in the aforementioned areas. The municipality confirmed that these roads fall within the jurisdiction of the Eastern Cape Department of Transport (ECDOT).

According to ECDOT spokesperson Unathi Binqose, the Department is aware of the deterioration of a number of roads across the province, including routes serving Kariega and surrounding areas.

“It is important to note that much of the recent damage has been exacerbated by the severe rainfall and flooding experienced across large parts of the province over the past few weeks. In the immediate aftermath of these weather events, the Department’s primary focus was on restoring access and reconnecting communities that had been completely cut off by floodwaters, damaged bridges and impassable roads,” Binqose said.

He added that with many of the emergency access interventions now largely completed, “attention is increasingly shifting towards the assessment and repair of damaged road infrastructure, including roads affected by potholes and pavement failures.”

In respect of the aforementioned roads, he said, the Department is in the process of assessing the extent of damage and prioritising interventions based on available resources, road condition assessments and traffic volumes. “The recent weather conditions have unfortunately increased the demand for road maintenance interventions across the province, placing additional pressure on available resources,” he said.

“Nevertheless, the Department remains committed to restoring affected infrastructure and improving road safety for all users.”

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