The Helderberg has experienced a significant increase in pothole repair requests over the past couple of months, with reports surging by 28% compared to the same period from May to July last year.
In Strand alone, 605 potholes have been reported between Thursday 1 May and Tuesday 22 July this year.
This marked increase is largely attributed to recent heavy winter rains, which have exacerbated existing road weaknesses and even caused new potholes to form in areas where repairs were seemingly just completed, such as Broadlands Road in Strand.
Rob Quintas, Mayoral Committee member for Urban Mobility, acknowledged the extent of the challenge and outlined the City of Cape Town’s ongoing efforts.
Asked to elaborate on a spate of potholes across Strand, Somerset West and Gordon’s Bay, Quintas explained that heavy and continuous rainfall is a major culprit, causing water to seep into road cracks, even those in recently patched areas.
“This often leads to the formation of new potholes and further deterioration of previous repairs,” he noted, adding that overall weather patterns significantly influence road network maintenance.
The City adapts its work programme to suit drier conditions where possible.
Addressing concerns about recurring potholes, especially on roads like Broadlands Road, Broadway Boulevard and several across residential suburbs, Quintas clarified the City’s approach.
“The City uses various methods to address pothole repairs during wet weather. Some potholes, particularly those mentioned, were initially filled temporarily with reclaimed asphalt material and cold mix asphalt,” he said.
Public service requests
These temporary fixes aim to minimise traffic disruptions during wet conditions until more favourable weather allows for permanent repairs using hot-mix asphalt where selected patches are filled.
Regarding prioritisation, the City uses a public service request tool for residents to report potholes. Additionally, depot teams conduct route patrols on high-traffic and critical routes, including Broadlands Road, to proactively identify issues.
“For lower trafficked roads, the City relies on public reports to identify hazards,” Quintas explained.
The aim is for depot staff to respond swiftly, with a 30-day timeframe set for repairs once notifications are received.
While the estimated budget for pothole repairs is adjusted as needed, with opportunities for increases during the adjustment budget period, Quintas’s primary message to frustrated residents is to “report potholes to assist the City so that we can identify potholes that cause disruptions to traffic and are potential hazards for road users”.
He reassured locals that the City is prioritising making the road network safer through temporary repairs, with permanent solutions to follow as weather permits.
“For roads in severely deteriorated condition, resurfacing and rehabilitation projects are scheduled during the drier summer months,” Quintas added.
“Residents can be assured that our reactive teams remain on high alert and are ready to promptly respond to reports of surface failures.”
He concluded by emphasising the municipality’s commitment to reducing repair backlogs despite challenges.
When approached for comment, Andrew Jansen van Vuuren, chairperson of the Helderberg Ratepayers’ Association,, claimed recurring potholes are the result of shoddy workmanship and severely affects businesses and residents alike.
“Infrastructure is critical to the local economy and proper planning ahead of the winter rains, coupled with quality workmanship, will make a huge difference in providing services to the community,” he said.
๏ฎResidents can report potholes via the City’s mobile app, call centre on 0860 103 089, or log a service request online at www.capetown.gov.za/servicerequests.
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