This statement was made by the provincial premier, Sisi Ntombela, at the launch of ‘Operation Vala Zonke’ yesterday.

Ntombela was flanked by the provincial MEC for Police, Roads and Transport, William Bulwane.

They, together with their respective teams were repairing potholes on the R501 road between Viljoenskoon and Potchefstroom yesterday, as well as on the R59 road between Sasolburg to Vanderbjilpark.

Ntombela said that an app has been created by the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL), whereby people will be able to upload pictures of potholes in order for an alert to be captured and logged on the system so that it can be repaired.

ALSO READ: Pothole issues high on Free State MEC's agenda

In a statement, Notmbela further says that instead of complaining, the app will help with reporting potholes.

Bulwane says ‘Vala Zonke’ will be an ongoing programme, and in time it will incorporate rehabilitating even municipal roads within the province.

‘Operation Vala Zonke’ is a countrywide campaign aimed at addressing potholes. This roads maintenance programme is a government initiative in partnership with private sector companies. In the Free State, it is a collaboration between the Free State government, the Ministry of Transportation, SANRAL, and Sasol. 

ALSO READ: Millions earmarked for road users’ claims

A few months ago, the Free State provincial Department of Police, Roads and Transport had received claims amounting to over R78 million.

Those claims were at the time yet to be paid to road users in the province. In a response to a written question by Democratic Alliance (DA) member of the National Council of Provinces, George Michalakis, it is stated that at least R1.8 million out of the R78 million has been paid. The claims are for damages on motorists’ vehicles due to the condition of roads in the province. This follows after the department made it known to the public that they can claim for damage to their vehicles caused by potholes.

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