Social media in Johannesburg was busy at the weekend as pictures of Rosie Morrison taking a bath in a pothole were shared on the internet.
Volunteer teacher Rosie and Lydenburg Guest Farm owner Alison Botha, posted the photos on Facebook in a bid to convince the government to repair potholes that are posing a danger to both locals and tourists.
Rosie brought supplies including shampoo, a glass of wine, a shower cap,and a book while wearing a bikini for her pothole bath.
“This specific road, the R36 between Machadodorp and Mashishing, has been unusable for years now and it’s mainly because there are 40-ton trucks that make use of the road every day due to a lack of railway structure. It is the responsibility of government to fix this road,” said Alison Botha.
Lyndenrust Guest Farm via Facebook
The Mpumalanga transport department has spoken out about the problem and blamed the deterioration of the R36 between Machadodorp and Mashishing (formerly Lydenburg) in Mpumalanga on heavy trucks and rain.
“Much maintenance has been done on the road, but the large number of heavy trucks from various mines that use the road have contributed to the deterioration of the road,” department spokesperson Dumisani Malamule said.
“The road has now deteriorated to the point where patching is not a feasible option anymore, but rehabilitation is required.”
Dumisani said that the department has plans to repair the damage during the financial year 2014/2014 and that every effort would be made to ensure the road was restored to its original state.
