New app launched to improve service delivery

IN an effort to enhance service delivery, the Johannesburg Road Agency (JRA) has launched a new mobile app, Find & Fix, which allows residents to quickly and easily report road related problems, like potholes, missing manhole covers and defective traffic signals.

Herman Mashaba, mayor of Johannesburg, recently revealed a plan to alleviate the city’s pothole problem with a budget of R88 million dedicated to addressing the repair backlog.

Christelle Colman, chief executive officer of Europ Assistance South Africa, says it is worrying that the JRA has announced it will need R1.38 billion per year for the next decade to be able to repair all the roads in the province. Due to the lack of maintenance, 48 per cent of the roads in the area are classified as being in poor or very poor condition.

She says potholes cause severe damage to vehicles and the driver can be left stranded next to the road due to punctures, rim impairments or damaged wheel alignment or suspension.

“In extreme cases, vehicles can be written off and the occupants badly injured. By having roadside assistance service in place the motorists will at least have peace of mind that help is on its way should their vehicle not be driveable after hitting a pothole,” said Colman.

“There is generally no warning signs of potholes ahead and drivers often see the potential danger of a pothole when it is too late to swerve out of harm’s way, or another vehicle may approach from the front making it impossible for the driver to miss the pothole.”

In the event of hitting a pothole that causes damage to the vehicle, she urges motorists to contact their emergency roadside assistance provider immediately. This service can prove to be extremely beneficial to the motorist, especially when considering personal safety.

“Being stuck next to the road after hitting a pothole can become a very traumatic experience, but by having an emergency roadside assistance provider on speed-dial can reduce the trauma and stress significantly. The mobile app, Find & Fix, is, however, a great first stride in making the country’s roads safer for all road users, with the aim of reducing the number of accidents and, consequently, fatalities,” concludes Colman.

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