The community around Kutama were over the moon when the Tshikwarani-to-Zamenkomste road was officially opened at Manavhela last Friday. The road was built at an estimated amount of R16 million.
Motorists and residents had used a damaged gravel road full of potholes for many years. The road was always covered in dark, thick dust, so that motorists could hardly see each other when they drove on the road.
Cllr John Mamafha said that the opening of the road was evidence that the municipality was committed to delivering services. "Roads and bridges connect people and communities and facilitate for them to access jobs, markets and other opportunities."
He said that most of the projects that had been approved during the financial year had been officially opened. He insisted that communities should celebrate as the municipality would continue to take basic services to the communities.
A resident, Mr Tshifhiwa "Mendula" Sadiki, had used the old, potholed road for many years. He said the bad state of the road had damaged many cars and worn out the tyres of many. "I started using this road before it even had a bridge many years ago," he said. "Some people could not go to town to work, because the road was not good, while others would arrive at work very late as cars had to move very slowly for fear of damaging their wheels in the potholes." Sadiki said that to finally have a proper main road was a true victory for motorists and residents of Manavhela and Zamenkomste village.
Thovhele Vho-Vele Kutama said that they welcomed the official opening of the road and added that it was an indication that the municipality would still render more services to the village.