Residents slam Komani road conditions as repairs questioned

The state of roads in Komani has sparked outrage among residents, with concerns growing over the lack of maintenance and upgrades.

Recently, municipal officials were busy closing potholes with sand in parts of Mlungisi.

Councillor Aloisios Alexander said the situation is dire, with roads built in the 1980s showing no significant improvements.

“The whole Komani roads are very bad. We wish when we raise these issues with them they would work on them. We are in big need of assistance from Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality,” Alexander said, expressing the community’s frustration.

Alexander highlighted the recent paving works in Aloevale and Newvale, but said residents are questioning why these efforts aren’t being extended to other areas.

“The main route used by taxis also in disrepair, the need for urgent attention is clear. The municipality has acknowledged the concerns, but residents are calling for action, not just words,” he said.

Residents are feeling the pinch, with Mlungisi resident Thole Ralane claiming the poor road conditions are costing them money.

“Since the municipality removed the top layer of Big Street in Mlungisi, nothing has been done since early last year. We have to buy tyres all the time and fix our cars,” Ralane said.

The issue has also drawn criticism from the Patriotic Alliance, with regional deputy chairperson Keenan Minnaar blaming the ANC-led municipality for the neglect.

“Since the ANC took over, they never maintained our roads. They have never delivered to the people who voted them in. The roads are bad and our people are suffering,” Minnaar said.

Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality spokesman Lonwabo Kowa did not respond to the questions sent to him on March 23, 2026.