Beware of potholes

Oluwatoyin Kolawole

Professor Toyin Kolawole uses the London Underground’s familiar warning, “Mind the gap,” to highlight how well-ordered societies take responsibility for public safety by ensuring infrastructure is properly maintained and by warning users only after safeguards are in place. In contrast, he argues that many African societies often shift responsibility onto citizens while failing to uphold their duties particularly in maintaining essential infrastructure.

Drawing from an experience traveling between Maun and Francistown in Botswana, Prof Kolawole criticizes the long-neglected, pothole-ridden roads marked with signs telling motorists to “Beware of potholes.” He questions why citizens must be warned about dangers that the authorities should have already addressed, noting the accidents and vehicle damage that result from neglected roads in the North-West District.

The professor concludes that while governance requires responsibility from everyone, authorities must fulfill their obligations, particularly road maintenance to make society safer and more functional. He calls on the department responsible for road maintenance to urgently repair the damaged roads.

Full Article Published in Botswana Guardian of Friday, 21 November 2025, p. 13.