Limpopo roads blitz an election gimmick? MEC Rachoene says no

The ANC-led departments in Limpopo have come under scrutiny for what opposition parties and the Forum for Limpopo Entrepreneurs allege is an election gimmick aimed at wooing voters ahead of the local government elections on November 4. Siviko Mabunda, provincial secretary of Fole, accused MECs of suddenly appearing in townships and villages, delivering services weeks before the polls.

Mabunda argued that the province is transforming into a construction and industrial hub, but warned that roads will deteriorate come January 2027 once the elections are over.

However, MEC Ernest Tonny Rachoene dismissed the accusations, stating that road work began long before election season. He maintained that the department is focusing on creating an economically thriving environment through road infrastructure provision and maintenance. Rachoene claimed that his department has completed 106 road infrastructure projects in under three financial years and that Limpopo boasts a road network of approximately 19,130km, comprising 13,147km of gravel roads and 5,983km of tarred roads.

Residents, however, remain frustrated with the state of internal village streets, which remain dilapidated despite the work on provincial roads. Mpho Molewa, a resident, applauded the work on provincial roads but lamented the lack of attention to internal streets, which have turned into dongas since the December/March floods. Rachoene defended the department's efforts, mentioning that they have filled more than 700 permanent positions in the roads infrastructure program at the district level, and strengthened the Roads Agency Limpopo through restructuring and appointing a Board of Directors.

The department has also undertaken upgrades and maintenance interventions on various key routes, including gravel-to-tar upgrades and bridge-flood damage repairs.