Pothole patching programme launched

After a number of complaints from residents about roads in Ray Nkonyeni Municipality being riddled with potholes, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for the Department of Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Peggy Nkonyeni, recently launched a pothole patching programme.

The programme called Operation Vala iPothole will reduce challenges in roads where people are experiencing problems because of potholes.

MEC Nkonyeni, who launched the operation on Monday, made a commitment in her recent budget speech to launch a programme that will eliminate potholes in the province.

She said Operation Vala iPothole will see the department utilise an internal team, material, equipment, and personnel to focus on strategic roads that have potholes. This will see many young people employed, engaged, and participating under the Vukayibambe Routine Road Maintenance Programme.

“The recent torrential rains have caused further damage to the provincial network and most roads have reached their lifespan. Most of these roads have reached 25 years of existence and they are now due for routine maintenance. More than 1 369 projects were affected by floods at an estimated value of R5.6 billion,” she said.

Nkonyeni added: “We know that because of potholes there are delays in traveling hours, there is high traffic congestion and more accidents. Through the launch of Operation Vala iPothole we want to turn the situation around. We are however aware that most roads were damaged by recent floods but ours is to make them drivable and improve the condition of our network. This programme will be rolled out in all districts targeting strategic roads that have historical failures,” said Nkonyeni.

Last week, Nkonyeni tabled before the Provincial Legislature a budget of R12.4 billion rand for the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport.

She said more than R8.9 billion will be invested in the maintenance and construction of road infrastructure, adding a total of R4.2 billion has been allocated for the maintenance of provincial roads.

“The department is also investing in technology that will detect potholes, cracks, and other failures on the roads. As part of the plan for the financial year, the department will rehabilitate more than 18 000 000 square metres of tarred roads. The department also plans to work with municipalities in addressing the condition of the provincial road network with a view of improving it,” said Nkonyeni.