Tshwane MMC defends pothole repair strategy amid criticism

Tshwane's Roads and Transport MMC, Tlangi Mogale, has defended the city's pothole repair strategy amid DA criticism over the use of cold asphalt. 

Mogale argued that the approach is part of a broader effort to address the issue, despite challenges like power outages affecting the Bon Accord quarry, which produces hot mix asphalt.

On Saturday, the DA  slammed the use of cold asphalt, saying it is a temporary fix that will not last.

Dikeledi Selowa, DA spokesperson on roads and transport, expressed concern over ongoing electricity failures in Tshwane, saying they are preventing critical road maintenance, worsening potholes and putting motorists at risk.

Selowa cited the Bon Accord quarry, which is currently without power, halting hot mix asphalt production amidst heavy rainfall and increased traffic. 

She claimed the city’s Roads and Transport Department is struggling with limited resources, operating with only one functional jet patcher and limited asphalt collection capacity. 

“Cold asphalt is a temporary fix that does not address long-term road damage. The city is now being pushed to outsource asphalt production, creating even more unnecessary costs,” she said.

Reacting to the claims, Mogale said she had engaged with municipal teams about power outages that also affected the Bon Accord quarry.

She said: “It is standard practice to use cold mix when the plant is off. As soon as the city’s Energy and Electricity Business Unit switches on we will resume. The pothole backlog is being addressed with two jetpatchers (with one being far more effective at the moment) and the new GrooveTech cold mix.”

She promised a comprehensive programme to tackle the city's pothole backlog will be announced next week.

Mogale further assured residents that municipal teams are actively addressing potholes, including in areas with recurring problems. She attributed delays to inclement weather, which has hindered the city's response to some situations.

The DA's criticism comes shortly after Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya launched GrooveTech, a new pothole repair material promising stronger, longer-lasting fixes. 

Moya said the technology enables repairs even in tough weather, reducing repeat failures and disruption.

She said GrooveTech complements the city's investment in jetpatchers, deployed last November, which remain crucial for swift pothole repairs. 

She emphasised the city's reliance on internal capacity and proven infrastructure, saying they are committed to effective solutions. 

“Bon Accord Quarry remains a strategic municipal resource, supplying quality hot asphalt that underpins resurfacing programmes and permanent road repairs. This ensures that the city retains direct control over material quality, cost efficiency, and supply reliability,” she said. 

rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za