By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Department of Transport has officially launched the Vala Zonke War Room, which forms part of the government’s battle against potholes.
The new war room facility, situated at the Sanral COC, will have a dedicated team from various clusters to coordinate government’s ongoing efforts in repairing potholes, as well as to monitor service delivery in the transport industry.
“The introduction of this Vala Zonke War Room is the natural progression to ensure success in the war against potholes following the launch of the Vala Zonke campaign nearly a year ago,” Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga said.
“We have reflected on the progress made through the Vala Zonke campaign, observed learnings from the processes and addressed some of the practical challenges. Through this War Room, we are re-affirming government’s commitment to this campaign aimed at eradicating potholes across South Africa’s Road network.”
She said the COC already has the appropriate infrastructure, technology and personnel to ensure effective monitoring and coordination of intervention programmes for road operations, maintenance and other road-related activities.
“The basic principle of a War Room is to bring everyone responsible for carrying out the intervention by the Department of Transport [DoT], as directed by Cabinet, for the Road Maintenance, Refurbishment and National Pothole Programme, in one room where they can communicate easier,” she said.
She added that several private companies, mainly in the freight industry, have committed to partnering with the government to improve South Africa’s roads.
Sanral CEO Reginald Demana said the company would work with roads agencies on a provincial and municipal level in the war against potholes.
“The Vala Zonke War Room is equipped to capture and report on all information that will be uploaded via the Pothole APP by road users,” said Demana.
“The data captured will be important for Sanral to respond appropriately. For example, if we get recurring potholes in a specific area, that could be a sign that there is a need for a longer lasting solution, perhaps a redesign of the road to ensure that it is suitable to current traffic needs.”
Chikunga denied the launch of the War Room is a pre-2024 general election ploy, stressing that Operation Vala Zonke was launched by former transport minister Fikile Mbalula in August 2022 when there was no general election in sight.
She said that during the unfolding of the operation, the Transport Integrated Information System (ITIS) was made available to all road authorities for the provision of Centralised Repository and Asset Management Services.
Chikunga said a centralised mobile pothole reporting app – which enables the public to report potholes wherever they encounter them on any road – was developed and the DoT launched a comprehensive plan to address potholes across all spheres of government.
The Vala Zonke app is available for download on the Google Play and IoS Apple stores.