The tender to repair the City of Ekurhuleni’s (CoE) potholes was recently awarded after the process started in the first quarter of 2021.
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CoE spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said although the tender was awarded by the bid adjudication committee, work outsourced to contractors could only start in the new financial year.
He said until contractors start working, the municipality’s depot teams will patch and repair potholes in the meantime.
MMC for City Planning Heather Hart highlighted the municipality’s road depot teams faced critical vacancies, severe shortages of vehicles, and a lack of adequate equipment to complete the necessary jobs.
Dlamini confirmed the city’s roads depots have staff vacancies and said vehicles and equipment were being repaired.
“Some vehicles and equipment have experienced a high rate of breakdown and are at the workshop for repairs,” said Dlamini.
Speaking on the shortage of vehicles and equipment at the city’s road depots, Dlamini said, “The vehicles and equipment may not be enough, as the CoE constantly has to provide for service needs that are higher than the limited public funds.
“However, we prioritise basic services, such as roads and patching of potholes.”
Dlamini said funded positions are filled as and when the need arises.
Despite the vacancies and ongoing repairs, Dlamini reiterated the depot teams are patching the potholes.
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