Staff reporter
Bloemfontein – The Department of Community Safety, Roads, and Transport (CSR&T) has allegedly decided to suspend the controversial Pothole Eradication Project outsourced to Central Univesity of Technology (CUT).
The project aimed at patching 70 000 potholes will cease to exist with effect from the 1 October 2025 till CST&T pay outstanding invoices.
A WhatsApp text sent by Professor Elizabeth Theron to the EPWP team on the 26 September 2025, confirms our earlier reports that the department is failing to pay invoices.
“Dear EPWP Team, We are very sorry to tell you that the Pothole Eradication Project is being suspended, based on the decision made by our client, the Department of Community Safety, Roads, and Transport (DCSRT), effective 1 October 2025. This is not a decision made by us at CiviLab@CUT, and it is not within our power to change it. The Department is currently unable to pay our invoices and, to prevent further debt from accumulating, they have instructed us to pause all work.
The Department has assured us that they will communicate directly with all EPWP participants and will undertake a roadshow from the 25th of September 2025 to keep everyone informed. We want to extend our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you for your valuable contributions, dedication, and the pride you have brought to this project.
Your hard work has made a significant impact, and it has not gone unnoticed. For now, we must wait for the client to make a decision about if and when the project will resume. Please know that we share your disappointment and are hopeful for positive news in the future.
Thank you once again for your support and understanding during this difficult time.
Thank you and kind regards.”
The project started with 650 EPWP participants but that’s no longer the case with others dismissed, some left, and deaths in between.
As of Wednesday, it’s tools down, back to unemployment for EPWP participants and it won’t be the first time according to sources.
“Even last year this thing happened, they laid us off this time and they don’t care.”
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