The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Eastern Cape has launched a public participation platform to expose and address the deterioration of road infrastructure in the province.
The platform, called Indlela ubomi will allow residents to document potholes, collapsed bridges, and road failures in real time.
Monday's launch follows the findings of the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) report that confirmed that the province’s failing road network is a direct violation of basic human rights, affecting access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities.
According to the DA, the report confirmed that only 9% of roads were paved, which is far below the national average of 25 percent.
DA Shadow MEC for Transport, Kabelo Mogatosi said at current funding levels, no major upgrades will happen until 2044.
The party is of the opinion that this will leave rural communities stranded and deny thousands of people access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
"Failing roads have become a human rights violation. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) cannot reach patients in time, schoolchildren are forced to walk dangerously long distances, and businesses are suffering immense financial losses.
"The provincial government’s inaction is not just negligence—it is actively harming livelihoods and endangering lives," said Mogatosi.
The DA said the information gathered in real-time will be escalated to the relevant authorities and, with consent, included in a formal petition to the Provincial Department of Transport to demand:
• Emergency road repairs for key routes, including those leading to hospitals, schools, and police stations.
• Full utilisation of road maintenance grants to fix potholes and crumbling roads.
• Immediate SANRAL takeover of key provincial roads to ensure proper maintenance.
• Increased provincial budget allocations for roads.
•Accountability for failing municipalities that neglect road maintenance despite having access to funding.
According to Mogatosi, the DA will apply every legislative mechanism available to hold government accountable and push for urgent intervention from Treasury and the Department of Transport.
The public is urged to participate.
In September last year, the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL), said the Eastern Cape would benefit from 24 construction projects worth an estimated R3.8 billion.
