Quick-fix pothole repairs frustrate residents
Frustrated locals say pothole-ridden streets are a safety hazard and accuse the Tshwane metro of using inferior materials that don't last beyond a single rainy day.
Waterkloof residents are frustrated over the “poor-quality roads, riddled with potholes” in the area.
The residents said pothole repairs were poorly done, as after one swoosh of rain, the holes reappeared.
They are accusing Tshwane of using materials that barely hold up after wet weather.
Despite recent repair work, locals say roads such as Main Street, especially near Crown, Silver Oak, and Rautenbach avenues, remain plagued by deep and recurring potholes.
A resident in Waterkloof, Ian Fuller, said the condition of the roads has not only become a financial burden but also a safety concern.
“The damage to vehicles from these potholes can run into hundreds of thousands of rands.”
Fuller said, more importantly, the danger to pedestrians and cyclists is growing as drivers swerve to avoid broken road sections.
He said this situation is ruining the quality of life in the area and impacting property values.
“We’re supposed to live in a well-maintained area, not dodge potholes every day,” said Fuller.
ALSO READ: Planting trees in potholes protest constitutes vandalism
Ward 82 councillor Siobhan Muller said Main Street was recently repaired, but slammed the quality and method used by the metro.
“Yes, the city did repairs, but they’re not using the right materials or methods. Cold asphalt doesn’t last. The metro knows this,” said Muller.
She argued that the repairs are too superficial.
“You can’t just shove tar into a hole and walk away. It has to be cleaned, cut properly, layered, and sealed with hot asphalt.
That’s not happening, and that’s why these potholes reopen within days.”
Muller said it takes one rainy day for the pothole to open up again.
Image: supplied
Tshwane spokesperson Lindela Mashigo confirmed that Main and Crown were repaired in February and March and that the resurfacing of the streets is still pending.
“Due to the recent heavy downpours since December, the general condition of the roads has worsened,” said Mashigo.
Mashigo said the high number of potholes has created a backlog in the region.
He added that potholes are prioritised based on severity and the volume of traffic in the area.
“Waterkloof is on the city’s monthly pothole maintenance schedule,” he said.
He explained that hot asphalt is used where possible and that its durability depends on weather and traffic conditions.
Still, residents insist the fixes don’t last.
Mashigo acknowledged that long-term prevention is difficult.
“Potholes are caused by different factors. Our teams attend to them as and when they occur.”
He urged residents to report potholes via 012 358 9999 or pothole@tshwane.gov.za.
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.
