Durban — As part of the national project Operation Valazonke, aimed at addressing potholes in KwaZulu-Natal, MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Neliswa Peggy Nkonyeni, conducted pothole patching in Vryheid on Monday.
Nkonyeni rolled out the project in the province at the same time as Minister Fikile Mbalula launched the national Operation Vala Zonke in Gauteng.
Nkonyeni was accompanied by local mayors under the Zululand District Municipality and the head of the KZN Department of Transport, Sboniso Mbhele, on the P46/1 in Vryheid.
According to the department, the repair project is a comprehensive national programme developed by the national Department of Transport to address potholes across all spheres of government and it is hoped that it will bring about improved infrastructure and safer roads.
“While Sanral (the South African National Roads Agency) remains the custodian of the national road network, they will lead the implementation of Operation Valazonke working alongside provinces and local municipalities,” the department said.
Nkonyeni also launched Vukayibambe Routine Road Maintenance (VRRM) in the District of Zululand.
Speaking at the launch, she said the programme was aimed at training and skilling young people in minor repairs and road maintenance, including pothole patching, road marking, grass cutting, and related activities.
She said that VRRM was the government’s way of responding to an outcry from citizens, which included unemployment and potholes.
“We have heard complaints over potholes that people say damage their vehicles, potholes also cause accidents … a number of things cause potholes, such as ineffective stormwater drainage,” she said.
Nkonyeni added that there would be a national pp launched that would be made into a public app, where people could report potholes.
“This will then go to where data is collected and then VRRM will be dispatched to do their work … It’s important that a government is responsive all the time.”
Daily News