![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/112/2017/08/Executive-Mayor-Cllr-Herman-Mashaba..jpg)
The manhole cover replacement project was launched last week by Executive Mayor Cllr Herman Mashaba.
Due to the 99 people who died in the 2014/15 financial year and 104 people who died in the 2016/17 financial year in the city after years of abandonment of infrastructure.
Mashaba said, “This project forms part of the city’s future network upgrades plan, which aims to improve our road infrastructure which is an essential component for boosting our city’s economy and creating job opportunities.
By ensuring that businesses can transport their goods and reach consumers and that our residents are able to safely move across the city.”
Over R1 million has been allocated to fund the project so as to curb more lives being lost due to the issue at hand.
Traffic accommodation, relocation of services, storm-water, roadworks, road signs and markings will be included in the process.
According to Mashaba, his administration has developed a full approach to the maintenance, development and expansion of the city’s road network.
- R1.1 billion in the 2017/18 financial year and a three-year capital budget of R4 billion has been allocated to the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA).
- R105 million has been collected for the installation and repair of broken down traffic signals throughout the city.
- R79 million has been allocated for the repair of potholes on the city’s roads.
“In prioritising commuter safety, construction work will be carried out during off-peak times during the day to fast-track planned upgrades with minimal impact on road users and pedestrians.
“With these allocations and targets, we are showing that we are committed to enhancing our residents’ quality of life by improving services.”
The project is expected to be finalised by December 15 for all 4000 of the city’s uncovered manholes.
“We are committed to delivering the change the people of Johannesburg demand,” concluded Mashaba.
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