The ubiquitous pothole is an all too frequent conversation piece in South Africa. But what causes potholes and what can municipalities do to provide South Africans with safer roads? Weskus Senior Manager: Roads Rohann Stander shares his thoughts.
In October 2022, SARF (South African Roads Federation) estimated that there were 25 million potholes dotted across the country. SANRAL (South African National Road Agency) refuted this, pointing out that this equates to about 149 potholes per kilometre. The reason for the variance could be the exclusion of gravel roads in SANRAL’s count. The exact number is irrelevant – what is relevant is that potholes present a significant problem for South Africans and it’s getting worse.
Typically, potholes form due to weather conditions, traffic load, poor drainage, inadequate maintenance, and poor quality of construction. It is also estimated that about 80% of South Africa’s roads have exceeded their design life.
“Weskus Distrik manages the gravel roads in the region, all subject to a maintenance plan. We know that these roads must get parents and children to and from work and school. Our farmers also need to transport produce, and some crops can be damaged by poor road conditions”.
Regarding roads exceeding their design life and the bumpy issue of the quality of construction, Rohann believes that this can be managed by three core aspects which should be inherent in any municipality.
Qualified managers.
Municipalities must have qualified engineers in their road infrastructure teams. It is inconceivable that such an important aspect of community safety and regional economics can perform without the prerequisite skills and capacity.
An essential aspect of management is having project management skills. Good intent counts for nothing if you cannot complete the project on time and within budget.
Sound governance. Sound governance is essential, especially around SCM (supply chain management). The appointment of suitable contractors must be exemplary. Apart from the prospect of poor quality being delivered, the questionable award of a contract can result in a legal challenge by an unsuccessful bidder, and this can add years to the project.
Planning and vision.
The third aspect talks to traffic load, design life and the evolving needs of communities, broadly referred to as spatial planning. This includes having the vision and data to anticipate future infrastructural needs”
“The pothole problem in South Africa is dire but given the right people, commitment to sound governance, long-term planning and the determination to deliver essential services, it can be avoided”.
Rohann Stander
Senior Manager: Roads
Weskus Distrik.
B.Eng (Civil), PR.Eng.
