Source article published January 2025

What was the problem?

The road to the only clinic in the Pienaarspoort area on the outskirts of Tshwane was riddled with potholes and ditches, causing potentially life-threatening delays for ambulances and visitors to the clinic. 

How did they fix it?

With the help of their councillor, Johannes Bekker, residents repeatedly reported the issue to the City of Tshwane’s Roads and Stormwater Department. But a lack of a meaningful response from the municipality meant that residents had to take action to repair the road to the clinic themselves. 

What made it work?

• Resource pooling and fundraising: Community members raised the necessary resources and funds needed for road repairs. “This community-funded initiative has drawn attention to the gap in essential services for underserved areas. The residents pooled their resources to buy materials and donate their time,” said councillor Johannes Bekker. 

• Hands-on involvement and volunteer labour: Equipped with shovels, wheelbarrows and other basic tools, the community members volunteered their time and labour to fill the potholes and repair the damaged sections of the roads. 

• Fighting for long-term solutions: While the community's efforts provided a temporary solution to the pothole problem, they also used the opportunity to advocate for long-term improvements to the local municipality. They continue to engage with local government by advocating for a review of the City of Tshwane Municipality's infrastructure budget and demanding a timeline for road repairs.

Acknowledgements

Source article: Community of Pienaarspoort repair their roads | Ridge Times by  Danie Kruger