Report before you fix
Have you already tried to report the problem?
If not, click here to learn how to report it.
Already reported and still no luck?
Click here to escalate the issue to your ward councillor.
Communities acting together can make things happen. Click here to discover how.
Still no success? The info below will help you fix it yourself.
DISCLAIMER: Check with your local authority on legal ways to fix problems yourself. Fixlocal cannot take responsibility for any problems that may arise in fixing it yourself.
Understanding road surface hazards
Bad road surfaces can happen because of rain, lots of traffic, and not enough repair work. These problems can cause cracks, potholes, and other dangers for cars and people walking. Quick repairs are important to keep everyone safe and stop things from getting worse.
Skills and expertise required
Fixing a bad road surface is not usually a job for someone without skills. It needs knowledge of building roads, skill with tools, and following safety rules. A group is best, with at least three to five people to handle machines, traffic, and repairs well.
Tools and materials needed
Source from your local hardware store.
Materials:
- Asphalt patch
- Aggregates (gravel or stone) for reinforcement
- Asphalt binder to secure the patch
- Cold patch asphalt for quick repairs
- Asphalt sealant to protect against water damage
Tools:
- Road rollers or compactors (a heavy vehicle like a bakkie can also work) can be hired from a local contractor.
- Shovels, rakes, brooms
- Safety gear: Reflective vests, gloves, goggles, masks, and helmets
- Safety cones for ensuring safety during repairs
Steps to repair a bad road surface
- Mark the damaged area with chalk or spray paint.
- Clear away all loose rubbish in the area.
- Level the surface as much as possible.
- Avoid using concrete on tar roads.
- Apply a primer tar coat.
- Use a bitumen emulsion for extra bonding.
- Add another layer of tar or asphalt patch.
- Compact the area with a compactor or a heavy vehicle. You can buy all these from a hardware store. You can also hire equipment. Look for suppliers online.
- Apply a sealant to stop water from getting in.
Adaptation for different provinces
- Climate considerations: Plan repairs when it's dry because of rain in summer. High temperatures can affect asphalt pliability, so work during cooler times of the day.
- Socio-economic factors: Not having enough money may make it hard to get good materials. Community involvement is very important, especially in areas with limited municipal services. See if businesses in your area are able to help.
- Local laws and permits: Get the permits you need, like a "wayleave," for public road repairs. Make sure you follow the National Road Traffic Act and local rules. Ask your local councillor to help.
Get your community involved
Is there a community-driven group or caring business in your area? A dedicated group of committed people can effectively solve local problems.
Think about starting or joining community groups like a street WhatsApp group, residents' association, or community policing forum (CPF) to get help and to stay informed and involved in local issues.
How to set up a community group
How to start a residents' association
How to set up a community policing forum
How to set up a neighbourhood watch
How to organise community action
How to use media to create pressure for change
Know your rights – how local government works
It’s important to understand how your local government works so that you can work with them to support what they are doing while your community continues to keep them accountable and deliver services on time. Remember you have a constitutional right to many of the services provided by local government, as well as to accountability and transparency, wherever you live and regardless of how much you earn. It is also where money collected from taxes and rates goes.
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