Mbabane – Motorists and residents of Thembelihle in Mbabane are expressing growing frustration over the poor state of Lukhozi Street, which has once again developed large potholes just two months after being patched.
The 200-metre stretch connects Lukhaba Road on one side to Lutindzi Street on the other, linking Mantsholo Road to the Mbangweni area. It serves as a vital route for residents travelling to and from the Woodlands Shopping Centre. Many drivers say the road’s condition has deteriorated so badly that it now poses a danger to vehicles and pedestrians.
A motorist interviewed while driving along the route said he would like to appeal to the Mbabane Municipality to urgently fix the road, noting that the patches made a few months ago have completely worn off. “We use this road every day and have to swerve to avoid potholes. It is risky, especially during the evening when visibility is low,” he said.
Another driver, who uses the street frequently to access Woodlands Shopping Centre, said motorists are forced to drive slowly to avoid losing their tyres. “We are paying rates but continue to drive on a road full of holes. It is frustrating,” he said.
Residents in the area also voiced concerns over the state of infrastructure, saying it does not match the high rates they are charged. One resident questioned why roads in Thembelihle are left to deteriorate so quickly after repairs. “We pay so much to the municipality, but this is what we get in return. Lukhozi Street was fixed not long ago, yet it looks like it has not been maintained for years,” the resident said.
Another motorist acknowledged the positive development of new street lights recently installed near the bottom of Mbangweni Avenue close to Woodlands High School, describing it as a step in the right direction for the community. However, he urged the municipality to shift its focus to repairing Lukhozi Street.
He added that several other streets in the area are also in poor condition but stressed that Lukhozi Street should be treated as a priority because it links a large number of motorists to other neighbourhoods within Thembelihle.
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