An innovative road Maintenance Management System (MMS) has been implemented by the Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport (DPWR&T) in Mpumalanga, developed in collaboration with leading consulting engineering and infrastructure advisory practice Zutari.

The road MMS assists the department to manage maintenance activities by facilitating task planning, allocating tasks to teams, tracking work completion and generating reports. “It is a comprehensive tool for managing road maintenance activities across the entire road network in the province,” explains Dr Chris von Holdt, Zutari Director: Asset Management.

In addition to having a web-based interface for the DPWR&T’s operational staff, the project included a pothole logging web application that can be accessed by the public and allows them to report any issues they encounter on the road. This provides valuable information to the department and allows them to schedule maintenance and effectively carry out the repair work required.

The road MMS sets a benchmark for the country as a whole. “It is very forward-thinking for us to adopt this approach at a provincial level. Based on what we have seen, it could really be a game changer if implemented successfully, as we envision,” points out Mr M. Rikhotso, Acting Deputy Director General: Public Infrastructure.

Essentially, the system includes comprehensive work order management. “We are talking about capturing maintenance issues, whether they are publicly reported or identified through inspections, and then moving through the process of planning and executing the work,” explains Mr Bheki Walter Shabangu, Senior Project Manager: Transport Infrastructure Roads Planning.

“It also covers executing the work, recording it, and incorporates features such as job card inspections on work done for approval. In addition, we have developed a mobile app specifically for foremen working on-site to reduce paper usage by digitising the work process and capturing evidence, such as photos, of completed tasks,” adds Shabangu.

Another important feature is fuel and materials management, as the MMS tracks fuel and materials expenditure and provides a detailed view of maintenance costs, both in the short and long term. A dashboard offers full visibility of operations across the entire province, allowing managers at different levels to monitor maintenance activities. “It is a robust and comprehensive system that significantly supports the department in managing its maintenance operations,” highlights Shabangu.

“Imagine a central system where all maintenance information is visible from one location, allowing assessment across the entire province down to individual cost centres and work teams,” says Mr R. Masia, Acting Chief Director: Transport Infrastructure.

“It is revolutionising how we manage our road network. In terms of road network maintenance management, it is probably the most sophisticated digital solution being applied in South Africa at present,” says Masia.

“The challenge is that Mpumalanga’ road network is highly trafficked with heavy loads. There is a lot of mining activity, so the road network takes a lot of punishment from haul trucks in particular,” says von Holdt. Keeping up with maintenance is a significant undertaking, requiring a systematic and well-informed approach to stay ahead of the demands of the network.

“It is a substantial and important task, involving 28 call centres and several hundred people working daily on maintenance. The goal is to ensure this effort is carried out in the most coordinated and structured way possible,” concludes von Holdt. The road MMS is currently operational and Zutari is assisting the department with comprehensive training to ensure smart working and the greatest impact possible.

“The introduction of the road MMS is a transformative step for DPWR&T,” says Mr M.C. Morolo, Head of Department. “This system empowers us with the necessary tools to effectively manage and maintain our extensive road network, particularly in the face of the heavy demands placed upon it by mining activities and traffic.”

Morolo adds: “I am excited about how this system will streamline our maintenance operations and improve our responsiveness to public reporting of road issues. Together with Zutari, we are committed to ensuring that our roads remain safe and functional, thus fostering greater mobility and accessibility for all our communities.”

MEC, Mr Thulasizwe Thomo, says he is proud to support such an innovative initiative. “This advanced system represents a significant leap forward in how we manage our road infrastructure, enabling precise tracking, efficient task allocation, and comprehensive reporting.

“Our collaborative efforts with Zutari epitomise our commitment to improving road maintenance, ensuring safety and reliability for all road users. I firmly believe that this initiative not only addresses current maintenance challenges but also sets a benchmark for similar projects across the nation, enhancing overall transport infrastructure in our province,” concludes Thomo.