The innovative Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) Find & Fix app sees its first year of concept since May last year.
It is designed to allow citizens to take a picture of their road-related issue, whether it be a pothole, malfunctioning traffic lights or even an uncovered manhole.
In an attempt to test the app’s functionality a year on, a pothole on Braam and Blueberry streets in Honeydew was logged via the app:
Step 1: Download the app
Step 2: Register with an email account and password, confirming by clicking the link sent via email.
Step 3: Select the issue you wish to report from the icons shown.
Step 4: Identify the location and take a picture, you may enter a description – it is optional.
Step 5: The report has been sent through successfully and you will receive a reference number.
Step 6: You will receive a notification that the issue has been logged as ‘New’.
The only clear inconvenience was the fact that the picture has to be taken in the app at that precise moment. A citizen cannot take a picture outside the app and upload it later. Although, a picture and description are optional when logging an issue.
JRA spokesperson Bertha Peters-Scheepers provided some statistic relating to the app. “We have about 11 500 app downloads across all mobile platforms that we have developed the app for, and we have 10 099 active app users,” said Scheepers.
Some of the key challenges that the app faced were that of communications, according to Peters-Scheepers.
There were previously no direct communication methods.
All road and storm water-related issues can still be reported through other communication channels, including 0860 562 874, twitter @MyJra and hotline@jra.org.za.
Finally, Scheepers said, “Most importantly, service incidents are being addressed far quicker than before. The JRA is able to stay on top of issues with a visual dashboard that shows a summary of outstanding and closed issues.
The JRA has seen the benefits of the integration between the GPS and photographic element of Find & Fix, including reduced minimal human intervention, improved visibility by being able to view the issue.
Details: www.jra.org.za; twitter @MyJra; Johannesburg Roads Agency call centre 0860 562 874.
