The Democratic Alliance (DA) will be intensifying its ongoing fight in the Eastern Cape Legislature to force provincial intervention on the dangerous R350 road between Bedford and Makhanda.
The continued deterioration of this critical route has reached crisis point and the MEC for Roads and Transport, Xolile Nqatha, must act. Large potholes, damaged surfaces and the ongoing lack of proper maintenance have made the road dangerous and increasingly unusable for residents, commuters, transport operators, tourists, and emergency services.
I will therefore be writing to DA EC Shadow MEC for Roads and Transport, Kabelo Mogatosi MPL, requesting that he raise the following with MEC Nqatha:
- Conduct an urgent full assessment of the R350 between Bedford and Makhanda.
- Implement immediate pothole repairs and emergency maintenance.
- Provide a clear timeline for the full rehabilitation and resurfacing of the road.
- Prioritise adequate funding for long-term maintenance of this vital route.
- Engage transparently with affected communities, businesses, and stakeholders regarding planned interventions.
Most concerning is the growing economic impact that the state of this road is having on the town of Bedford. Local businesses are now struggling to survive as visitors, delivery vehicles, and travellers avoid the route due to fears of vehicle damage and risk to personal safety. Reduced traffic through the town has led to declining customer numbers and significant financial pressure on small businesses already operating in a difficult economic climate.
Bedford, which is a gateway into the Eastern Cape, remains an important tourism and agricultural hub. However, poor infrastructure is damaging the town’s reputation, discouraging investment, and threatening jobs and livelihoods.
Motorists travelling the R350 are also being burdened with escalating repair costs, including damaged tyres, suspension failures, and wheel alignment problems caused by the shocking condition of the road.
The DA believes that reliable road infrastructure directly leads to the prosperity of any rural town. It is essential for economic growth, job creation, public safety, service delivery and human dignity.
The people of Bedford, surrounding communities and neighbouring towns cannot continue to endure dangerous roads, economic decline, and government inaction. The Eastern Cape Government must act now before further businesses and jobs are lost and lives are placed at risk.