Walvis municipality warns against unauthorised pothole repairs
The Municipality of Walvis Bay has warned residents against carrying out pothole repairs on public roads without approval.
It says such activities must stop until the necessary authorisations have been obtained.
The warning follows reports that an unemployed couple had begun repairing potholes in parts of the coastal town.
“The Municipality of Walvis Bay is aware of reports regarding individuals undertaking pothole repair works within the town.
However, no formal request, notification, or communication has been received from the individuals concerned regarding the repair works being undertaken on municipal roads,” municipality spokesperson Anita Kaihiva says.
Christine Simon and her husband started the initiative while looking for employment.
The couple decided to keep themselves busy rather than staying at home while searching for employment.
The family relocated to Walvis Bay earlier this year and had repaired an entire road after launching the initiative.
Kaihiva says there is already an official pothole repair programme in place.
According to her, a contractor has been appointed and is currently carrying out pothole repairs and related road maintenance work throughout Walvis Bay.
The municipality says the work forms part of its ongoing road maintenance and infrastructure management programme aimed at ensuring roads remain safe and serviceable.
While acknowledging the intentions of residents who want to contribute to the upkeep of the town, the municipality says public roads are municipal assets and any maintenance work must be authorised.
“The municipality appreciates the civic-mindedness and community spirit demonstrated by residents who wish to contribute positively to the upkeep of the town.
However, municipal roads are public assets and any maintenance or repair work undertaken on them must be authorised by the municipality,” Kaihiva says.
The municipality says road repairs must comply with engineering standards, technical specifications and safety requirements to protect both road users and those carrying out the work.
It adds that residents, businesses and organisations interested in assisting with road maintenance should engage the municipality through the appropriate channels before undertaking any work.
Depending on the nature of the proposed work, interested parties may also be required to provide insurance cover and indemnify the municipality against potential risks arising from such activities.
“As the repairs currently being undertaken by the individuals concerned have not been authorised or approved by the municipality, these activities should cease until the necessary engagement and approvals have been obtained,” the municipality says.
It says it remains open to partnerships and community-led initiatives that contribute to the development and maintenance of Walvis Bay.
It encourages interested individuals, groups and organisations to submit written proposals to the department of roads and building control for consideration.
Each proposal, it says, would be assessed on technical requirements, public safety considerations, liability implications, resource availability and compliance with municipal standards, policies and procedures.
Efforts to obtain comment from Simon and her husband on the municipality’s response were unsuccessful by the time of publication.
Efforts to obtain comment from Simon and her husband on the municipality’s response were unsuccessful by the time of publication.
