Various residents of eNkanini informal settlement have voiced their frustration over the poor state of their roads. This is according to Masixole Phuka, an eNkanini resident, who claimed that roads often become flooded and muddy after heavy rains in winter, making travelling unsafe and difficult.
After heavy rains, going to the shop is a daily struggle according to Olwethu Sibhoma, an eNkanini resident. During the winter season of the year the water enters their homes as well, making the problem even worse, she said. PHOTO: Iva Fulepu
Ayanda Tomose, Kayamandi ward 12 councillor, of which eNkanini forms part, alleged that the residents take the tarmac from the roads and use it to waterproof their houses, which further hinders the municipality repair process.
The municipality has been temporarily tarring roads to prevent flooding, but it has not been successful, said Tomose. They lay tar on the roads but the tar fails to prevent the flooding, alleged Ziphozethu Nongwe, another eNkanini resident.
“The road situation here is really bad. At times we have to keep our children at home because they are unable to walk on this road, especially now that it is raining,” said Phuka.
eNkanini residents have claimed that the poor road conditions have been making their lives and those of their children difficult. As a result, they have opted to buy their children gumboots to wear when they go to school because their school shoes wear quickly, according to Masixole Phuka, a resident in eNkanini. PHOTO: Iva Fulepu
The slippery roads prevent residents from being able to get to grocery stores, according to Nongwe. Some residents have had their cars damaged due to the poor conditions of the road, said Phuka.
Getting to work is difficult because of the poor condition of the roads, which poses a daily challenge for the residents, claimed Nongwe.
Residents have to wear gumboots in eNkanini because of the poor road conditions, according to Olwethu Sibhoma, an eNkanini resident. After it has rained, the roads become muddy and slippery, which makes it hard for them to move around, she said. VIDEO: Iva Fulepu
Kayamandi ward 11 councillor response
Residents do not report their grievances about eNkanini to him, claimed Tomose. This means that if the municipality does not get a report that there is a pothole, which may result in flooding due to heavy rain, they will not know.
“We expect residents to take ownership and report it,” said Tomose.
Tomose encourages residents to log grievances to the municipality so that they can be addressed.
Municipality response
Stellenbosch Municipality is aware of the poor state of the roads, according to Stuart Grobbelaar, communication manager at Stellenbosch municipality. However, the municipality declined to comment on the issue.