Mpumalanga Public Works, Roads and Transport MEC, Sasekani Manzini, launched a “war on potholes” programme in her budget vote speech yesterday (Tuesday).
The programme – called ‘Sidudula amapotholes’ – will be launched in Msogwaba, Mbombela, on Road D1723, once the budget has been approved.
Manzini emphasised that partnerships would be critical to the programme. “The objective of this programme is to aggressively attend to potholes across the provincial road network, working together with all our social partners, municipalities, government agencies, the private sector and communities,” she added.
She also pointed to climate change and lack of regular maintenance, due to limited funding, as the largest contributors to the creation of potholes and distress on the roads in Mpumalanga.
A provincial government spokesperson noted that potholes were a symptom of structural damage to a road, and while patching was necessary, it was nothing more than a short-term intervention.
According to the Road Asset Management System, 14% of Mpumalanga’s roads are coal haul roads.
