Motorists fed up with pothole problem

DESPITE growth and changes in the City of uMhlathuze, potholes remain a constant problem, much to the distress of motorists.

The community has been up in arms about the poor condition of roads in Richards Bay and Empangeni.

Despite numerous complaints to ward councillors, potholes, which are filled up as a temporary, quick-fix measure, usually last for only about two weeks before they resurface.

Aside from causing expensive damage to vehicles, some motorists claim the obstacles are ‘crime instigators’ as they fear drastically slowing down at traffic circles make them targets for criminals.

Last week city acting spokesperson, Percy Thusini, told the ZO that R2.9million has been budgeted for road infrastructure.

‘This budget’s subdivisions also respond to ongoing maintenance demands.

‘These demands vary from year to year, but a holistic road infrastructure management approach ensures sufficient responses to effect new road developments and existing road maintenance.’

Thusini said that despite the negative implications, potholes indicate economic growth.

‘Bad as they are, we should be mindful that they can be caused by an active economy which is driven by high volumes and a particular type of traffic in places such as our growing industrialised city.’

The municipality denied compromising on the quality of materials used to repair roads.

‘The perception that potholes are a result of poor materials and workmanship is not correct.

‘The processes of repairing potholes differ and must be distinguished between permanent and temporary methods.

‘Various factors determine the method used, such as weather conditions at the time of repair, the availability of permanent repair materials as well as the urgency of the problem and the age of the road on which repairs are done,’ Thusini said.

‘The perception that repaired potholes resurfaces within a week is also not entirely correct. What often happens is that another pothole develops close to a repaired one. This is common on old roads,’

Although the city has developed, rapidly, it still remains one of the few with gravel roads, spanning around 743km.

‘The tarring of roads in Mzingazi and Mandlazini at a cost of R28.7-million is a priority, as is the sealing of West Central Arterial, Bayview Boulevard, the harbour and Dune roads and many others at a combined budget of R5.8-million this financial year alone,’ Thusini said.