The Pothole Patrol team have filled over 200,000 potholes since 2021 all thanks to the collaboration of big business and residents of Johannesburg.
South Africa (04 March 2024) – Living in South Africa means one becomes more than acquainted with the numerous potholes that are found along the daily commute. There are many communities that take matters into their own hands, to combat the worst of the worst. Now there is a new team on the road called the “Pothole Patrol”.
Starting in 2023, 18 people were enrolled in a pilot training programme and it was a huge success. Launching in February this year, students will now be earning an NQF Level 3 qualification after 12 months of practical training and studies. The pilot programme has since seen a further 24 learners enrolled in 2024.
“In its first official year, which kicked off on 1 February 2024, the Academy is providing classroom and on-the job-training to 24 learners through EduWize, an accredited learnership and skills development provider.
Participants are men and women aged 22 to 34 from previously disadvantaged communities and will obtain a National Certificate in Roadworks Construction upon completion. The aim of the programme is to equip participants with road construction skills and the confidence to start their own business one day.”
The programme is being run by Discovery in partnership with various stakeholders. With support from the City of Johannesburg, over 200,000 potholes have been repaired on major Johannesburg roads. The initiative’s initial target was to repair 1,000 potholes a week – which has been exceeded by 25%.
The best part is if you have a pothole in your area (specifically in Johannesburg areas), you can report it for free using the Discovery Pothole Patrol mobile app (available for iOS and Android). You just have to register, and then upload a picture or capture the pothole’s location.
There are parameters to what can be repaired by the Pothole Patrol. The team can only work on potholes measuring a maximum size of 1m by 1m. Anything bigger or deeper than 3cm, has to be handled by the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA). However, the Pothole Patrol will escalate the “reinstatements” to the authorities.
“Reinstatements, road excavations, deep trenches or cracks are caused by entities and other service providers, either repairing or installing their services and are not classified as potholes.” – Discovery Pothole Patrol
The efforts of the Pothole Patrol are helping work through the backlog of repairs needed in Johannesburg. Thanks to the collaboration of big business, the city and residents who report potholes, a change is happening!
Sources: Discovery
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