Pothole plague: SA roads in crisis
South Africa's pothole problem is more than just a bumpy ride, it's a full-on obstacle course.
South African roads are plagued by a massive pothole problem, with the Automobile Association (AA) estimating over 25 million potholes nationwide.
According to Eleanor Mavimbela, AA spokesperson, this figure may be even higher, and it's not solely due to recent rains in KwaZulu-Natal.
The sheer number of potholes poses a significant threat to motorists and their vehicles.
Potholes can cause damage to tyres, rims and even vehicle bodies, making them a serious concern.
Speaking in an interview with Newzroom Afrika, Mavimbela said: "We believe the number might be even higher than that, and it’s not only due to the recent rains in KwaZulu-Natal."
Furthermore, municipalities' "patchwork efforts" to repair potholes often use substandard materials that can't withstand traffic volumes or weather conditions, providing no long-term solution.
The AA's concerns are highlighting the need for a more effective approach to road maintenance and pothole repair.
With a number of potholes already present on South African roads, addressing this issue is crucial to ensuring road safety and preventing further damage to vehicles.
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