Shoddy roads batter already limping tourism sector

Tourism is Mpumalanga’s major potential job creator and a large source of income for many. However, the absolute ghastly state of the roads are making it extremely difficult for tourism operators to run their businesses. The provincial MEC for public works, roads and transport, Mohita Latchminarain, was called upon to prioritize rehabilitation of all roads which lead to major tourist destination sites.

According to Bosman Grobler, potholes are a major deterrent for tourists looking to visit the province. Premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane mentioned in the State of the Province Address that tourist destinations in Mpumalanga would be upgraded, however, what was not mentioned was how they planned to deal with issues of the severely dilapidated roads that feed the sites.

“Provincial government is advised to devise strategies aimed at growing the economy provincially in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The roads are in need of attention, and local government has to do something, because these roads reflect what our society is like to visitors. Mpumalanga’s tourism sector has been affected badly by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the state of roads is becoming a deterrent for visiting tourists. Roads leading to prominent tourist destination sites have been riddled with potholes for years now.”