Game-changer for fixing roads in South Africa

 ·30 Oct 2024

South Africa is improving its road infrastructure in Mpumalanga with a new Road Maintenance Management System (MMS) launched by the Department of Public Works, Roads, and Transport, which could be a game-changer for road works across South Africa.

The MMS is a digital solution designed to streamline road maintenance activities, making them more efficient and responsive to the public’s needs and the high demands of the province’s road network.

According to engineering and infrastructure consultancy firm Zutari, the MMS acts as a centralised system where maintenance tasks are planned, tracked, and reported in real-time.

This allows the department to manage road repairs across the entire provincial network with greater accuracy and coordination.

Chris von Holdt, Director at Zutari, describes it as a “comprehensive tool” for road maintenance.

It integrates all aspects of the maintenance process—from identifying issues to tracking completion—into a single, accessible system.

One of the standout features of the MMS is its interactive public portal, which allows road users to report issues, such as potholes, via a simple web-based application.

This feature directly involves the public in road maintenance, providing the department with valuable, real-time data on road conditions across the province.

Reports submitted by the public are logged into the system, enabling maintenance teams to schedule and prioritise repairs quickly.

The MMS also offers a mobile app specifically for field foremen, eliminating the need for paperwork by digitizing the entire reporting and evidence-collection process.

This allows foremen to capture photos of completed repairs and provide on-site updates, which not only speeds up approval processes but also makes the entire maintenance workflow more transparent and efficient.

This system is particularly significant for Mpumalanga, where the roads endure heavy traffic, especially from mining operations that put a constant strain on road surfaces.

Von Holdt notes that the road network faces high wear and tear from these industrial activities, making regular maintenance essential to ensure the roads remain safe and usable.

“Without a systematic approach like the MMS, the department would find it overwhelming to keep up with the damage caused by heavy transport vehicles.

“Another key feature of the MMS is its fuel and materials tracking system, which monitors expenditures to provide a detailed view of short- and long-term maintenance costs,” he added.

A dashboard within the system gives department managers at various levels complete visibility over maintenance activities across the province.

This centralised overview allows the department to assess the state of the entire road network and manage resources effectively, making it a powerful tool for both daily operations and long-term planning.

The new MMS has not only improved road maintenance in Mpumalanga but is also setting a benchmark for road management systems across South Africa.

Mr. M.C. Morolo, Head of the Department, expresses confidence in the system’s ability to enhance responsiveness and efficiency, especially given the demands of public reporting and the need for swift action.

By fostering greater connectivity and accountability within maintenance operations, the MMS aims to make Mpumalanga’s roads safer, smoother, and more accessible for all users.

MEC Thulasizwe Thomo supports the initiative wholeheartedly, viewing it as an essential advancement in the province’s infrastructure strategy.

According to Thomo, the system not only meets current road maintenance needs but also lays a foundation for similar projects nationwide.

As the MMS continues to operate and evolve, its impact on road conditions and public accessibility could serve as a model for road maintenance management throughout South Africa.


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