Joburg residents have started spray-painting next to potholes to highlight the poor state of the city's roads. Picture: Twitter/@dustinchick
The Johannesburg Road Agency (JRA) has warned against “defacing and branding” of potholes, saying it contravenes the city’s bylaws.
It also warned against repairing the potholes without getting written permission.
A trend has developed in recent months where gatvol residents are spray-painting the words ‘ANC’ and ‘DA’ next to potholes across Johannesburg.
The JRA has now put out a statement saying that these actions are illegal.
“No person may in any way deface, mark or paint any public road or part of a public road or any structure related to such road, without the prior written permission of the Council,” it said.
It added that residents can be fined if caught marking the road.
“Clause 10 of the said bylaws states that, ‘if a person referred to in this section fails to remove the matter, paint, article or substance, the Council may remove such item and in addition to any penalty which may be imposed in terms of this bylaw, [and] recover the cost of removal from that person’.”
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JRA said although it understands that residents are frustrated by the numerous potholes on Joburg’s roads, no private person or organisation can repair or brand the roads without approval.
“Only authorised personnel or organisations can repair and paint the roads,” it said.
“We would like to urge organisations and the public to refrain from this act as it is against the law of the City of Johannesburg.”
JRA added that it “will continue to work hard to ensure that our roads are safe to travel on”.
JRA’s message, however, has angered some residents.
Greg Crighton took to Twitter to complain that he was going to write JRA a note on his street “but paint doesn’t stick to water and mud”.
Heather told JRA employees to bring a spade and tar when they arrive with their fines.
“When your guy comes along with our fine notice, please tell him to bring a spade and some tar, and he can help us fill a few potholes,” she tweeted.
Wayne told JRA to spend more time fixing potholes, instead of complaining about people highlighting the poor service delivery.
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