2009-11-16: Johannesburg roads agency
Adv Thulani Makhubela Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) Spokesperson for the roads infrastructure , has promised the residents in Johannesburg a pothole free city by resurfacing and patching all the potholes.
It has been said that the JRA in recent years became an entity known for poor service delivery and for their complete lack of maintenance of the roads infrastructure.
The JRA have in their plans for 2009-2010 financial year, have some of its critical objectives which are
To ensure sound transit infrastructure;
To ensure a sound traffic regulatory system;
To ensure a sound storm-water management system;
To ensure a sound social contract management;
To ensure a sound business excellent.
Capital expenditure (capex) for the 2009-2010 financial year is sitting at R162,2-million and operating expenditure (Opex) is R506,5-million.
According to the JRA spokesperson, Thulani Makhubela, its capex projects include upgrading gravel roads, upgrading and conversion of storm water channels, bridge maintenance, and installing traffic signals and light emitting diodes (LED) lights.
"In our capex budget, we have put aside R80-million for the upgrading of roads in various townships and we are looking at the conversion of some storm water drainage systems to suit climate changes.
Makhubela, who joined the JRA in 2004 as the company secretary and later was placed in charge of business planning and development, takes over the position of spokesperson from Conel Mackay, who has joined the Bus Rapid Transit.
Operating budget
The opex budget of R506,5-million would be used for 2010 signage, resurfacing of roads, installing traffic signals and road markings.
"When we do road markings this time, we are going to use thermoplastic paint. Though it is a bit more expensive than the normal paint, it lasts longer, it is visible and it is an investment for both the City and the public.
"If we resurface the roads, we maintain them properly, then we can eliminate the question of potholes."
The end of the last financial year, 2008-2009 brought with it lots of success stories, but there were challenges as well, including potholes and inadequate storm water drainage systems.
Working on upgrading Joburg's roads
In that year, the agency tarred 23 kilometers of gravel road in Ivory Park, Orange Farm, Bram Fishersville and Diepsloot; 110 kilometres of road in various areas were resurfaced; 30 percent of traffic signals were converted to LED lights; CCTV cameras and changeable sign messages were installed on the M1 and M2; and approved street names in various townships were implemented. Koma Road, in Soweto was successfully converted from a single carriageway to a dual carriageway.
Figures
The JRA is a municipal-owned entity responsible for planning, designing and maintaining all road infrastructures in the city. It looks after 9 247 kilometres of road, 1 854 traffic light intersections, 470 bridges, 41 culverts and 3 493 kilometres of storm water drains.
