E2.4BN MANZINI-MBADLANE HIGHWAY PLAGUED BY POTHOLES

MBADLANE – A significant threat to motorists has emerged on the E2.4 billion highway, a project that has consumed years and substantial taxpayer funds.
Despite nearing completion, this ambitious roadway is plagued by a number of potholes, some measuring 83 centimetres in length, 57 centimetres in width and five centimetres in depth.
The presence of these issues raises concerns about the safety of motorists who travel at the permitted speed limit of 120 kilometres per hour. Taxpayers have invested in this project and the presence of these issues raises concerns about the safety of motorists as the freeway was initially envisioned as a symbol of progress and efficiency.

According to the African Development Bank Group’s data portal, the project aims to significantly enhance the functionality of road infrastructure to accommodate increasing commercial traffic servicing economic and industrial centres, as well as intra-regional trade between Mozambique and South Africa. Construction of the highway began on November 25, 2014, with an anticipated completion date of June 30, 2025. The roadway was opened to the public on December 21, 2021.

Construction

At the time of its opening, it is worth noting that construction had been stalled during the various lockdowns which were set to avert the spread of COVID-19, which was at its peak in 2020. The Manzini-Mbadlane Highway involves the dualisation of an existing 30-kilometre single-carriageway road connecting the city of Manzini to Mbadlane on the MR3.
The African Development Bank (AfDB) identified this route as a crucial component of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) regional network. The public road project is divided into two parts, funded through a combination of loans and grants.

The primary segment, financed by a loan, consists of activities directly related to delivering the project road, while the secondary part, supported by a grant, focuses on technical assistance services. Road enhancements include upgrading the existing 30-kilometre two-lane single paved carriageway to a two-lane dual carriageway, constructing a new 32-kilometre two-lane single carriageway, rural connector roads and interchanges, rural feeder road access to health services, implementation of environmental and social safeguards and institutional reforms in the road subsector. Since its opening, various sections of the freeway have been refurbished to address defects, including uneven surfaces and potholes. Notably, in Lot 1 of the public road, some refurbished stretches exceed 100 metres. Although new asphalt has been laid, certain areas on the slow lane exhibit cracks, with peeling asphalt evident.

Moreover, the drainage system between Lugaganeni and Hhelehhele suffers from blockages due to waste, which encompasses eroded soil and overgrown grass along the waterways.
This waste obstructs drainage channels, disrupting the flow of rainwater. On several occasions, dry grass and other debris were observed blocking the manholes. On Friday, a pothole measuring 47 centimetres in length, 23 centimetres in width, and 11 centimetres in depth was discovered along the stretch between Mphandze and the uphill to Mafutseni, filled with rainwater following substantial rainfall during the course of the week. Additionally, signage indicating distances to various destinations had fallen onto the ground, some landing on a drainage system at the Mafutseni off-ramp, obscured by vegetation and debris.

Just after the bend leading to the Ngogola overhead bridge, two potholes were found on the road. One pothole at the centre measured 36 centimetres in length, 19 centimetres in width and seven centimetres in depth, while another, which had re-emerged in an area previously resurfaced, was 83 centimetres in length, 57 centimetres in width, and five centimetres in depth. Other potholes in various locations were in the early stages of development, with layers of asphalt already peeling off and the underlying soil still concealed. It is pertinent to highlight that road works are ongoing along the freeway, including the installation of pedestrian overhead bridges at various points. However, along the return dual carriageway from Mbadlane to Manzini, the drainage system remains obstructed by debris, including vegetation.

Long stretches of the road have previously been resurfaced, but the median barrier features numerous sections lacking light poles, combined with potholes, creating a dangerous environment for motorists. Additionally, several road signs appear to have been blown off their poles and lie along various sections of the 30-kilometre stretch. On August 28, 2022, while addressing ongoing defects on the freeway, Minister for Public Works and Transport Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe, acknowledged that the ministry was aware of the issues affecting the highway. He explained that the contracts established with contractors for such projects included a 12-month defects notification period, during which any deficiencies identified would be rectified at no additional charge to the ministry.“All defects that appear are addressed by the contractor at no additional cost or charge to the ministry. The defects in the Lot 1 Project are treated the same way,” Ndwandwe stated. At the time, he clarified that the ministry had not yet accepted the road, as it remained within the defects notification window.

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