Mbabane – The Mbabane Municipality completed repairs on Lukhozi Street in Thembelihle on November 18, 2025, following growing concerns from residents and motorists about the poor state of the road. The repairs came just a week after a report was published highlighting the dangerous condition of the street, with large potholes reappearing only two months after previous patches.
Lukhozi Street is an essential route in the area, linking Lukhaba Road to Lutindzi Street and providing access to Mantsholo Road and the Mbangweni area. It is also a key connection for residents heading to the Woodlands Shopping Centre, making it a crucial thoroughfare for many in the community.
Motorists had expressed frustration with the road’s deteriorating condition. One driver, who uses the street daily, noted, “We use this road every day and have to swerve to avoid potholes. It is risky, especially during the evening when visibility is low.” Another motorist added, “We are paying rates but continue to drive on a road full of holes. It is frustrating.”
Following the publication of the article, contractors from the municipality began filling the potholes on November 18 with a mixture of gravel and cement. The repairs were completed on the same day.
Lucky Tsabedze, spokesperson for the Mbabane Municipality, addressed the issue in a statement: “Thanks for raising the important issue regarding the condition of Lukhozi Street. We acknowledge the frustration that residents experience with road surfaces that are beyond their lifespan, and we appreciate your patience.”
He further explained, “We are actively committed to maintaining safe and passable roads for all residents. As you correctly noted, our teams are currently addressing Lukhozi Street with a mixture of gravel and cement. This is a necessary temporal measure to ensure basic safety and accessibility, especially during the challenging weather conditions.”
Tsabedze also provided context on the broader state of Mbabane’s road infrastructure, noting, “Approximately 60% of our 170km road network has exceeded its design life, and the council has a comprehensive long-term plan for major rehabilitation. Lukhozi Street is included in this plan; however, the scale of need far exceeds our available funding, as we are currently able to rehabilitate about 5km of road per year.”
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