The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality recently launched a R11.5 million project dedicated to fixing all potholes across the metro.
The project, introduced by MMC for roads and transport, Rosie Daaminds, followed complaints by residents that potholes were becoming an increasing problem, not only for them, but motorists too.
Speaking during the launch in Zwide, Daaminds said that there were complaints about potholes when the lockdown was implemented and the NMBM felt bad about that, although they knew that plans were in place to deal with the problem.
“We have started with the work and it will take approximately two to three months to complete. Once that is done, regular maintenance will take place,” Daaminds added.
“We are using two contractors and 23 small contractors. We are already busy in Ward 12 and will also do Ward 32. There are contractors in Wards 38 and 44 in Uitenhage and Motherwell and they are (working) all over the metro, because we listen when our residents are talking.
“During the higher levels of lockdown, we could not do much work but we noticed the frustration of motorists and are doing something about that,” she said.
PE Express previously reported that NMBM did not have the equipment to fix potholes.
According to the metro’s executive director for infrastructure and engineering, Walter Shaidi, in response to a letter written by ACDP Councillor, Lance Grootboom, about this issue, the municipality also has a shortage of staff because of vacancies that have not been filled.
Shaidi mentioned that there was a lack of centralisation when it comes to complaints regarding potholes and added that only a small portion of the Capital Budget for potholes and storm water drains had been used.
According to Grootboom, some residents had taken it upon themselves to fix potholes in their respective areas when the NMBM failed to do so. One such resident is Jaco Gallant (24) from Heath Park, who delved into his own pocket and paid contractors to fill potholes in ward 35.
“The municipality doesn’t really pay attention to the problems in our northern areas, especially when it comes to issues related to the environment: potholes and waste management specifically,” Gallant said. “Our roads have been in a very bad condition for almost two years now. I’ve been playing with the idea in my mind to fill the potholes, but it only came to fruition after I spoke to the ward councillor,” he added.
“I’m doing this for the community because focus needs to be placed on our northern areas. We have to support each other and if we try to do that, there will be a change in our circumstances.”
Ward 35 councillor, Helga Van Staaden, said that she was very surprised when Gallant offered his own time and money to plough back into the community. “It is very welcome and highly appreciated. He doesn’t do it for recognition or attention, but to give back to the community. Although we are very grateful for his selfless sacrifice, the municipality still has a responsibility towards our residents that pay their rates and taxes. That responsibility cannot be taken away from them.”
According to Daaminds, regular service delivery, including road maintenance work, was disrupted as a result of the COVID-19 regulations. “After these regulations were eased, the NMBM decided to accelerate many projects that were put on hold in recent months because they were not declared to be essential services,” she said.
She mentioned that the budget would be increased to R15 million soon to ensure adequate roads maintenance across the metro.
Her department would also working closely with the metro’s infrastructure and engineering department that hired companies to aggressively deal with water leaks that often contribute to potholes.
Daaminds added that storm water drains would also be attended to for sufficient water flow as summer rains were expected soon.
