The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) has recently experienced a shortage in asphalt production which has affected the company’s daily targets for maintenance work.
The JRA said in a statement on 1 September that this was compounded by Covid-19-related challenges. “The procurement process for raw materials is currently being accelerated and once finalised, production will resume towards the end of September, and this time with increased capacity,” said the utility.
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The JRA said in the meantime, they have sourced contractors to assist with the backlog of potholes and reinstatements which accumulated over the level five to three of the lockdown period. This is due to the JRA operations not having been categorised as essential services under the Disaster Management Regulations on those levels.
According to the JRA, since they had been allowed to operate with short staff during Level 3, they have completed 969 reinstatements citywide. “Potholes and road surface reinstatements have been prioritised under the Service Delivery Blitz to ensure that structural road defects are resolved to ensure safety on our roads.”
The utility has resuscitated the reinstatement program with their Service Delivery Blitz in Region B on 25 August. The work started in Region B is said to be completed by Friday [4 September] and thereafter work in Region C will commence.
“We apologise for the inconvenience caused and thank the road users for the patience and understanding during this time.”
