The North West Department of Public Works and Roads is calling for calm in Maboloka township near Brits in the Madibeng Local Municipality following a community protest over delays in the completion of the rehabilitation and upgrading of roads in the area.
The residents blocked the road with tree trunks, stones and burning tyres demanding that their roads Z606 and Z608 be fixed expeditiously.
They alleged that it’s difficult to access the schools in the areas especially when it’s raining due to the bad condition of the roads.
Speaking on YOU FM Newshour, the department’s acting Director for Communications Bayanda Zenzile said they acknowledge the residents’ concerns and they’re working on prioritizing the project to improve road safety and accessibility in the area.
“We understand the frustrations raised by the community, and we also acknowledge that it is their right to raise those concerns, but as the department we are working on resolving this matter as a matter of urgency,” said Zenzile.
According to the department the tender will be re-advertised after a technical assessment by consulting engineers appointed by the department in February 2024, revealed that the original project scope was insufficient to adequately address the community’s needs.
The department, as a result, resolved to extend the scope of the road from 2.12 km to 6.71 km to ensure safer and improved access, particularly for learners attending Madikete Lion and Solomon Lion Schools in the area.
“Although the tender was advertised in November 2025, none of the bidders met the required technical and safety compliance standards.
In line with supply chain regulations and the department’s commitment to quality infrastructure delivery, the tender will be re-advertised in February 2026,” she added.
The department has in the interim, deployed a maintenance team to attend to critical sections of the road to improve immediate driving conditions while the formal construction process is being finalised.
Zenzile said that the department’s political and administration heads will return to Maboloka next week for further consultation and feedback to the residents.
