The Democratic Alliance (DA) has urged the Free State provincial government to investigate a roughly 40km stretch of the R76 between Kroonstad and Steynsrus after it reportedly remained in dangerous condition despite about R400 million having been spent on repairs — roughly R10 million per kilometre, the party said.
DA demands technical inspection and accountability
In a letter to Premier MaQueen Letsoha‑Mathae and the MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport, Jabu Mbalula, the DA said the road appeared to have been constructed or substantially rehabilitated only months ago but now shows rapid deterioration. The party described parts of the R76 as a "life‑threatening hazard" for motorists and called for immediate action.
"Despite the relatively recent construction work, the road’s current condition does not appear to reflect the standard residents and road users should reasonably expect from a recently constructed or rehabilitated provincial road," said the DA.
The DA asked that provincial road engineers and technical officials be dispatched to inspect the R76, and requested investigations into the contractor appointed for the project, the scope and specifications of the work, and the quality of construction materials and workmanship. The party also raised questions about whether the road had been properly certified on handover and whether any defects liability period remained in force.
Calls for immediate safety measures
Alongside a full technical assessment, the DA urged the province to implement temporary measures to protect road users while investigations proceed. These included:
- placing appropriate warning signs and road markings;
- introducing speed‑control measures where necessary;
- carrying out urgent repairs to hazardous sections; and
- ensuring any contractor rectifies defects at no extra cost to the public if those defects fall within the contract or defects liability period.
Public money, public safety
Road infrastructure sits at the intersection of public safety and public expenditure. The DA’s figures point to a large state outlay — roughly R400 million — for a relatively short section of road. If those figures are accurate, the provincial government will be expected to account for the apparent rapid decline in condition after rehabilitation.
Motorists who use the R76 between Kroonstad and Steynsrus regularly include commuters, freight operators and local public transport services. The DA highlighted risks linked to deteriorating roads: serious collisions, loss of life, injury, vehicle damage, increased travel times and higher transport costs for businesses and commuters alike.
What the DA wants examined
The principal areas the DA asked the provincial government to probe were the contractor’s performance, contract compliance, material quality and certification on handover. The party also sought clarity on whether the project remains within a defects liability period, which would oblige the contractor to remedy problems without extra cost to the province.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Road | R76 (Kroonstad–Steynsrus) |
| Approximate length | 40 km |
| Reported cost | R400 million |
| Approximate cost per km | R10 million/km |
At the time of publication there was no response from the provincial Department of Police, Roads and Transport in the DA’s public letter. The MEC named in the DA correspondence, Jabu Mbalula, and Premier MaQueen Letsoha‑Mathae were asked by the party to set out what inspections had been done, whether the rehabilitated sections had been certified, and what remedial steps would be taken to protect road users.
Why this matters locally
For communities around Kroonstad — a regional service hub in the Free State — and the farming and small‑town economies that rely on the R76, road reliability affects daily life and livelihoods. Poorly maintained or badly constructed roads increase vehicle operating costs, reduce transport efficiency and can deter investment in areas that depend on reliable road links.
The DA’s letter places pressure on the provincial administration to produce technical answers and, where warranted, swift remedial action. If defects fall within contractual liability, the province can require contractors to correct faults without further public expense; if not, taxpayers may face additional costs to repair the road.
Road users are advised to exercise caution when travelling between Kroonstad and Steynsrus and to observe temporary signage or speed restrictions if placed while inspections and repairs are under way.
