Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula says the recently launched targeted Operation Vala Zonke, which aims to fill all potholes across the country, will be closely monitored to ensure its integrity and accountability.
The department and stakeholders launched the campaign at Vanderbeilpark in Vaal on Monday. This is in response to national pothole crises, especially in local areas.
Potholes are a daily nightmare for motorists and also contribute to road deaths. Vereeniging is one of countless areas littered with potholes that not only endanger the safety of motorists, but also cost them financially.
“Some of these potholes are so huge; they are the size of two bedrooms. It’s a nightmare. I just spent 8000 rand because these potholes damaged my rims, no they are bad,” says the motorist.
And finally, their cries are heard. Mayor Emfuleni blames the pothole crisis on under-utilisation of budgets, poor supervision and mismanagement.
Along with how the pothole repairs are unfolding, motorists are also welcoming the project. “It will help a lot, let’s wait and see,” explains another motorist.
VIDEO: Operation Vala Zonke – Government on National Pothole Prevention Project
So far no exact budget has been allocated, but the Ministry of Transport says they are still in talks with the Ministry of Finance to allocate the money. So far, they are using part of the 11 billion rubles allocated for the construction of roads in the country.
“Community Appeal”
Gauteng Roads MEC Jacob Mamabolo urged residents not to damage road networks by launching service delivery protests.
Mamabola says damaging road infrastructure is a criminal act and also endangers the lives of road users. “We would really like to appeal to the communities that if they have grievances that require the attention of the government, they should not attack the road to get their issues resolved. When they dig the road, they have to think about people’s lives. And we know that human life happens only once.”
Mpumalanga’s Department of Public Works says the launch of Operation Vala Zonke will help accelerate some of their ongoing programs aimed at fixing potholes. MEC Mohita Latchminarain launched the project at Hazyview.
The director of road maintenance in the province, Ronnie Masiya, says among their top priorities is to fix potholes on all tourist routes as soon as possible.
“We as a department have objectives which state that we want to achieve a situation where all tourists are pothole free by the end of this financial year. Thus, this program will help us achieve the set goals.”
More pothole videos below:
