Immediate intervention and a coordinated action plan to deal with stray animals on regional roads between Bothaville, Wesselsbron and Welkom is being demanded.
The DA in the Lejweleputswa Municipality will write to Motlatsi Makhetha, district municipal manager, to request intervention.
The party said the animals have become a danger to motorists, particularly at night, and are causing accidents – some of which have resulted in fatalities.
Road users have raised concerns about cattle and other livestock roaming on regional roads at night when visibility is poor. The situation places pressure on emergency services, the DA said.
The party said the roads are in poor condition with potholes, which worsens the situation.
The problem reflects a failure to enforce bylaws relating to animal control and road safety, according to the DA.
Owners of livestock are responsible for ensuring their animals are secured and do not endanger the public, the party has stated. Also, the DA pointed out that municipalities and provincial authorities must improve fencing in critical areas, increase road patrols and respond to reports of stray animals.
The party called for stronger enforcement against negligent livestock owners and improved maintenance of fences along regional roads.
Cllr. Mahalia Kose, DA councillor in Lejweleputswa, says the district must conduct community awareness campaigns on the dangers posed by stray animals.
The party said road safety was a shared responsibility and preventing accidents required urgent intervention from the district and all local municipalities in Lejweleputswa.
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