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With more than R500-million set aside for
maintenance in its new budget, the roads agency is focusing on investing for
the city.
JOBURG will have fewer potholes and an
upgraded road infrastructure - this is a promise from the Johannesburg Road
Agency (JRA).
The agency made the commitment at its
annual budget meeting, held at the Neh Convention Centre in Marlboro South on
Tuesday, 30 June.
MD of the Johannesburg Roads Agency, Dudu Maseko
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's newly appointed
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 said.
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," Makhubela explained.
"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
kilometres of gravel road in Ivory Park, Orange Farm, Bram Fischerville 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. It was officially
opened by Executive Mayor Amos Masondo on 16 June.
Figures
The JRA is a municipal-owned entity responsible for planning, designing and
maintaining all road infrastructure 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.
Before closing the meeting, the JRA's managing
director, Dudu Maseko, urged the public to take seriously the transport values
of accountability, co-operation, honesty, respect and ubuntu.
"Our political head, Rehana Moosajee, is on
a drive promoting transport values. I think this is a good initiative because
not only do these values apply to transport, but they are a way of life,"
Maseko said.
For more information about the roads agency
or to report any concerns, call Joburg Connect on 011 375 5555 or visit the
Johannesburg Roads Agency website .
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