Early estimates of flood damage to roads in and around Pretoria stand at approximately R124 million. Following the heavy rain experienced in the past few weeks, Gauteng roads and transport MEC Ismail Vadi has launched an emergency road maintenance campaign to fix damage.

According to City of Tshwane spokesperson Blessing Manale, the full extent of the damage is still being assessed in seven regions in Tshwane. While damages are estimated at R124 million, figures will be updated as inspections and evaluation of the road and stormwater network continue. Vali estimates the damage to the provincial road network to be in excess of R50 million.

A large number of potholes as well as some sinkholes have emerged across Gauteng. A number of low-lying bridges have also been severely damaged. Bridges on Weaver Road, Kameeldrift, Shickfontein Road, Heidelberg, and Heronbridge Road have been identified for urgent repairs.

Due to the wet conditions, potholes were temporarily filled with gravel or a mixture of gravel and cement. According to Vadi, the department, with its 260 person maintenance crew, hopes to fix the province’s pot holes in the next two to three weeks. “We have made a province-wide assessment of damages to our roads and repair work has started in earnest,” said Vadi.

Manale said road repairs will begin on public transport routes and main arterial routes, while certain roads will have to be reconstructed due to extensive damage to the asphalt surface and layer work.

Road repairs

Vadi announced that the N14 is to be rehabilitated over the next two years. The 40km freeway stretch from the Brakfontein Interchange in Centurion to the intersection with Hendrik Potgieter Road in Mogale City will be tackled in two phases and is estimated to cost R500 million.

The N12 between the Misgund Interchange and Merafong, the R28 between Randfontein and Vereeniging, and the R55 between Laudium and Atteridgevile will be upgarded.

Portions of Golden Highway along Eldorado Park/Devaland and the R101 are to be repaired along with other key provincial roads.

Vadi said funding for the repairs will come from the department’s budget and the N14 and N12 will not be tolled to cover the costs.