Centurion’s Roads at Risk: Tshwane’s Pothole Fixes Stall in Face of Sinkholes

The pothole issue in the City of Tshwane has gotten worse in recent months, and Executive Mayor Nasiphi Moya blames the unrelenting rains for a large portion of the delay. Moya stated during a progress briefing at Tshwane House on Thursday that the city’s plans for road resurfacing had been hampered by the rain, but that teams are now back to work now that the skies are clearer.

“Every day, our teams go out and fix potholes,” Moya stated. “There really shouldn’t be any excuses because we even make our own hot asphalt.”

She acknowledged, though, that the rainy season had prevented planned repairs. She reassured citizens that the city is actively addressing the backlog now that the weather has improved.

There has been progress, but there are still obstacles.

Moya cited the accomplishments of the city during the first half of the year. Over 5,700 streetlights have been fixed, over 4,000 sewer blockages have been cleared, and nearly 3,700 potholes have been fixed so far.

However, not every region is reaping the same benefits. Geological considerations in Centurion are increasing the complexity and cost of road repairs. Sinkholes are common in the region, which is known for its dolomitic soil; this year’s severe weather has only made the issue worse.

Lack of funds is a significant barrier.

Gert Visser, a DA councillor, emphasized that Centurion is still particularly vulnerable due to inadequate planning, a lack of resources, and sinkholes.

“If there hadn’t been delays in getting hot asphalt and bitumen, these potholes could’ve been fixed sooner,” Visser said. He attributed the delays to inefficiencies and problems with procurement.

Visser also disclosed that the city is confronted with an enormous financial obstacle: it would cost approximately R720 million to restore all 60 to 70 sinkholes in Tshwane. But the city only has R14 million set aside for this right now.

Unless immediate funding and planning changes are made, long-term solutions to Tshwane’s road and infrastructure issues appear increasingly unattainable with that kind of gap.

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Sourced:The Citizen

Picture: X/@girishcwa