For years, residents and business owners in Ermelo have raised concerns about the deteriorating condition of Havenga Road, a key route serving the town’s industrial area. The poor state of the road has not only disrupted daily operations but has also negatively affected businesses and residents in the area.
Photos: Parts of the roads in the industrial area | Supplied
Businesses operating along Havenga Road have reported challenges ranging from damage to employees’ vehicles to difficulties transporting and receiving goods. Deep potholes and the deteriorated road surface have made travelling through the industrial area increasingly difficult, while tyre and vehicle damage have added further costs for those using the route regularly.
Less widely known is that several residential properties are also located within the industrial area. Residents have faced many of the same challenges, while dust generated by trucks travelling over damaged and untarred sections of road has created an additional problem. Businesses and residents have at times been forced to keep windows and doors closed in an effort to prevent dust from entering their premises.
The concerns surrounding Havenga Road are not new. In January last year, a peaceful protest took place when more than 50 trucks gathered at the intersection of Havenga Road and Voortrekker Street. Truck owners expressed their frustration over the condition of the road, with it being revealed at the time that more than 1 200 petitions had reportedly been submitted to the municipality over a two-year period without a resolution.
Photo: Road works along Havenga | Supplied
In response to the longstanding challenges, a local business took the initiative to begin privately funded rehabilitation work, with the broader aim of improving conditions for businesses, transporters and residents, while helping make Ermelo’s industrial area more accessible and attractive for future investment.
Those behind the initiative have emphasised that support from other businesses affected by the poor road conditions would be greatly appreciated. Local businesses and transporters are encouraged to contribute wherever possible, whether through equipment, materials, expertise, contacts or other assistance, with the hope that a collective effort could benefit the industrial area and the wider Ermelo community. Those interested in contributing can contact the organisers at property@mjpropmark.co.za.
Photo: Roadworks at the intersection of Havenga Road and Smuts Street | Supplied
Work extended beyond the rehabilitation of Havenga Road, with blocked stormwater drains cleared and repaired to help prevent water from accumulating and contributing to further erosion. Surrounding roads, particularly near residential areas, were also scraped, repaired and stabilised with G5 material, including sections of Chris de Villiers, Wilger and Smuts streets.
Photo: Sand heaps, tyres and barrier tape placed around the work area to keep motorists and pedestrians away from ongoing roadworks and heavy machinery | Supplied
Several measures were put in place to minimise disruption and protect surrounding infrastructure while work was underway. Certain roads were temporarily closed to keep motorists away from heavy machinery, while alternative routes were prepared to maintain access. Measures were also taken to prevent trucks from mounting pavements when avoiding deep potholes, which had previously contributed to damage to stormwater drains. Workers continued into the evening where possible to take advantage of lower traffic volumes.
Photo: Workers continued roadworks into the evening where possible, taking advantage of lower traffic volumes to keep work progressing.
More than 850 bags of cement were brought to the site ready to be poured, together with quantities of G5 material. Much of the work relied on locally available equipment, including trucks, tippers and front-end loaders, with a 20-ton roller brought in from Bethal. With reports suggesting that almost 2 000 trucks travel through the industrial area daily, the roads remain under considerable pressure.
Photo: The intersection of Smuts and Border Street before scraping | Google Maps
Photo: The intersection of Smuts and Border Street after scraping | Supplied
Some community forums and residents initially questioned whether the work formed part of a larger contract and whether local businesses and workers were being used. Those behind the initiative clarified that the project was privately funded and relied largely on Ermelo businesses, their existing employees and equipment. They thanked those who assisted, apologised for the temporary inconvenience and asked motorists and pedestrians to exercise patience and caution around the work areas.