10 Pothole claims totaling R207k filed against Polokwane Municipality

POLOKWANE – The pothole at the intersection of Potgieter Avenue and Diemeer Street, that remained unattended to for three months, was fixed by Polokwane Municipality.

It was not clear what the municipality’s intentions in this regard were after it was confirmed that the municipality has depleted all funds available for the remainder of the current financial year to appoint service providers to attend to the repair of potholes and has to rely on only two in-house teams deployed over the entire municipal area.

On Monday, spokesperson for the municipality, Thipa Selala, however, confirmed that the municipality is aware of the situation. The pothole was fixed on Wednesday morning.

“The area has been allocated to a service provider. They, in the meantime, made it safe while still addressing other areas,” he responded, but did not indicate from where funds will be sourced.

The general rule in law is that a local authority will be liable for claims resulting from damages to life and property if sustained in a public area and according to Selala, a total of 10 claims for damages sustained as a result of potholes were reported during the current financial year, with the full claim amount valued at R207 084.83.

Out of these, five claims have been paid, amounting to R42 542.34.

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There are currently three outstanding claims, which are noted to be under review or processing by the insurance provider.

Motorists who have suffered damages due to potholes, may lodge claims with the municipality’s Pilot Ramothwala at Pilotr@polokwane.gov.za and are advised to take clear photos of the location of the pothole as well as the damages sustained.

Also attach three written quotes for the replacement of tyres and rims as well as other repairs or incidental costs related to the incident.