Fed-up Elim residents protest against incomplete D4 road project

Scores of angry residents from Elim and the surrounding areas engaged in protest action on Monday, 22 July, to complain about the delay in completing the D4 road connecting the N1 to Elim and passing through Malamulele to Vuwani. Protesters blocked intersections with burning tyres and tree branches, demanding the road’s immediate completion.

The project to rebuild the road began on 23 July last year, with a tender of R19 million awarded to Machabatau Construction. The project would reportedly be completed by 20 December, but this deadline was not met. Since then, the delays have caused significant disruptions to more than 40 local hawkers who depend on their stalls for a living.

Disgruntled hawkers complain that more than a year has passed since they were given just two days to vacate the road after selling there for more than two decades. The delays were attributed to poor materials received from the supplier, which also pose health risks to motorists and pedestrians, including local school learners.

The protest occurred on the same day that Mr. Basikopo Makamu, the Limpopo MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA), intended to donate 10 laptops to Elim High School. However, he was unable to do so directly because of the road closure caused by the protest.

One of the protesters, Mr. Hlekeni Masaka, who is a delivery driver, said he was frustrated with the continuous delays. “We are angry because we struggle to make a living for our families as the dust drives away customers. They did not use proper materials, so the road may develop potholes soon as its layers are thin. We hope the next contractor does not cause further delays,” he said.

Mr. Themba Sombana, a local businessperson, complained that cement dust left by the contractor blows onto their building, affecting their health. He said they tried to escalate the matter to their community leaders to address this issue of dust with water tankers, but their pleas were allegedly ignored. “What makes it worse is that the dust also affects school learners, especially the young ones, and it could lead to accidents as they try to avoid it. Politicians only remember us when they need our votes,” he said.

Ms. Julia Madaba, chairperson of Elim Market, said the delay had forced some hawkers to request permission from the Njaka Njaka Tribal Authority to rebuild their stalls where parts of the road are complete. “This delay has severely affected most hawkers, some of whom are now idle at home. The situation is especially difficult for those who have no other source of income. We rely on selling to feed our children, and it’s very painful to see them suffer,” she said.

Makamu addressed the protesters, saying, “I’m currently engaging with community leaders to convey their grievances to the MEC for Public Works, Roads, and Infrastructure, as well as to the Premier.”

Mr. Danny Legodi, spokesperson for the Road Agency Limpopo (RAL), stated that the delay was caused by the poor quality of materials received from the supplier, which has since been addressed. “We will always aim to build quality road infrastructure for the people of Limpopo Province,” he said. He added that the project would resume next week, and the completion date was set for 31 August 2024.

Date:27 July 2024

By: Thembi Siaga

Thembi Siaga started as an intern during 2021. He assisted with video photography and editing. He also produced numerous small documentaries, focusing on the Vhembe region and its people. Currently he works as a freelance journalist, covering stories in the Elim area.

Thembi studied at the Tshwane University of Technology, where he completed his diploma in Journalism in 2021.

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