ZOEKNOG RESIDENTS REAP THE BENEFITS OF LONG-AWAITED TARRED ROAD

Residents of Zoeknog village in Bushbuckridge Local Municipality, Mpumalanga, are finally enjoying the benefits of a long-awaited tarred road that is transforming their community after years of frustration over poor road conditions.

The road, whose construction began in 2025, marks a significant turning point for a village that has endured years of difficult travel conditions. In 2024, frustrated residents reportedly took matters into their own hands after funding for the road allegedly disappeared twice without anyone being held accountable.

Although construction is still underway, with the project estimated to be about 70% complete, the improvements are already noticeable. Only about 30% of the work remains, but the difference is evident to residents and road users.

Taxi operators, who have struggled for decades with the deteriorating road conditions, can now travel through parts of Zoeknog with greater ease, improving access and making daily transportation less challenging.

Once completed, the road is expected to open new opportunities for investment, improve access to essential services and stimulate economic development in this often-overlooked village on the outskirts of Bushbuckridge's northern region.

For the people of Zoeknog, the road represents more than improved infrastructure. It is a long-awaited step towards better mobility, economic opportunities and a brighter future for the community.