No road, no votes!

RESIDENTS of Khakhala, Gawula, Mahlathi, Ndindani and Hlomela in Giyani, Limpopo, are frustrated.

They're angry because the all-important D3810 Road project is still unfinished, seven years later.

Over 3 000 residents held a mass meeting recently and vowed not to participate in the upcoming 29 May elections.

Residents complain that the D3810 gravel road, which connects communities and facilitates access to key services, symbolises government's broken promises.

It's reported that the construction of 29.5km started in 2018, but only 3km have completed.

Resident, Tiyiselani Khumbuza, said they don't see any need to vote as they endure hardship due to the incomplete road.

"When people get sick, ambulances can't come during the rainy season because of the gravel, bumpy road, so we won't vote. This situation is not treating us well. Even the police arrive late when we call them to arrest criminals," she said.

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Residents also vowed to shut down about six voting stations, if the road construction doesn't go ahead.

Community leader, Raymond Nkuna said they inquired about the road not being completed but didn't get answers.

"People decided not to vote because we're not getting any response from the Roads Agency Limpopo (RAL). We feel neglected. It seems our pleas have fallen on deaf ears," Nkuna said.

Daily Sun sent an inquiry to the RAL to find out what is causing delays to the project, which contractor was awarded the tender and how much was spent on it.

The new head of communications at the RAL, Danny Legodi didn't provide precise answers to the questions.

"Road D3810 will be rolled out by Sanral through the agreement in place between RAL and the agency. The entire stretch of the road will be implemented through Sanral, and the designs of the road will be completed. The process of appointing a contractor is at an advanced stage. The appointment is envisaged to be made by June 2024," said Legodi.