STELLALANDER-DELAREYVILLE: The R507 road connecting Geysdorp and Delareyville remains unfinished, contrary to the assurance given by MEC Sempe Elizabeth Mokua in November 2024 that the road would be completed and operational by December 2024.
This commitment, made in response to questions from the DA during a North West Provincial Legislature session, has proven unfulfilled, leaving residents frustrated and stranded with a dangerously deteriorating road. During a DA site visit, the following shocking state of the R507 was observed:
Abandoned Project: No contractor was on-site, with scattered construction materials left unattended.Partially Constructed Road: The road comprises incomplete tarred sections interspersed with gravel, making it unsafe for regular use.
Broken Promises: The department cited “stoppages” as a reason for delays but had assured completion by December 2024—a promise that has not materialized. The condition of the R507 is a daily challenge for residents and farmers who depend on this road for their livelihoods. Many have voiced their concerns about the road’s dangerous state and the ongoing neglect. The situation has hindered agricultural transport, economic activities, and safe travel for the community. The DA has criticized the Provincial Department of Public Works for its failure to hold contractors accountable. Despite exceeding the agreed timeframe and delivering substandard work, the contractor appears to face no consequences. Worse, such contractors are often granted new contracts in other parts of the province, perpetuating the cycle of inadequate service delivery.
The DA has written to MEC Mokua, urging immediate action to: Complete the R507 project: Honour the commitment made to the public and ensure the road is completed without further delays; Recover wasted funds: With R150 million already spent on the project, accountability is essential for the mishandling of resources; Implement consequence management: Present a plan to hold those responsible for delays and poor workmanship accountable; Enforce contractor accountability: Ensure that contractors deliver quality infrastructure and are held liable for failures.
The DA will continue to monitor the situation and pressure the department to prioritize the completion of the R507 road. It is unacceptable that vital infrastructure projects remain incomplete, jeopardizing the safety and livelihoods of North West residents. Quality service delivery is not negotiable, and the DA will work tirelessly to ensure the government fulfills its promises.
