🔧 DIKGEREKGERE WEDNESDAYS TURNS D2454 INTO A LIFELINE FOR DALMADA

By Mpho Dube, Editor‑in‑Chief, The Azanian

The #DikgerekgereWednesdays service‑delivery blitz is delivering tangible results on the D2454 road, a crucial artery that links schools, tourist attractions and farming communities just outside Polokwane._

In the quiet farming belt of Dalmada, the once‑pothole‑riddled D2454 road has transformed into a smooth, reliable corridor, all thanks to the relentless push of #DikgerekgereWednesdays. Launched by the Limpopo Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure (DPWRI) under the 7th Administration, this mid‑week service‑delivery initiative has become a beacon of service excellence and a testament to the department’s commitment to strengthening internal capacity.

Since the programme kicked off, crews have been mobilised every Wednesday to grade, patch, and seal problem spots on the D2454. The impact is immediate. Learners from Dalmada Primary and the nearby secondary school now travel on a road that cuts travel time by 30 %, reducing absenteeism caused by impassable mud and dust.

The scenic Magoebaskloof route, which feeds into the D2454, has seen a 15 % rise in visitor traffic, as tour operators report safer, smoother access to the region’s waterfalls and nature reserves. Local farmers, who ferry produce to Polokwane markets, praise the reduced wear on vehicles and the ability to move perishable goods without delays, boosting income and food security.

MEC Rachoene visited the site last week and remarked, “The D2454 is more than a stretch of asphalt—it’s a lifeline for education, tourism, and agriculture. #DikgerekgereWednesdays proves that disciplined, weekly action can stretch every rand and deliver real change.”

He highlighted that the initiative aligns with broader campaigns such as #OperationTsogaMoshomi and #LetsGrowLimpopoTogether, emphasizing community ownership and sustainable development. Residents have formed road‑watch teams, reporting potholes instantly via a WhatsApp hotline, ensuring the momentum continues beyond the Wednesday blitzes.

Critics acknowledge the progress but call for transparent tracking of expenditures, a point the department says it will address through quarterly public dashboards under the project‑monitoring framework.

Hashtags from the event: #21NewRoads #OperationTsogaMoshomi #DPWRI_Limpopo #ServiceExcellence #7thAdministration #DiloDiChenchitje #DikgerekgereWednesdays #StrengtheningInternalCapacity #LetsGrowLimpopoTogether