The Central University of Technology (CUT) is making notable strides in addressing road infrastructure issues in the Free State.
On 20 November, Deputy Minister of Transport, Mkhuleko Hlengwa, and Acting Free State Premier, Jabu Mbalula, visited CUT to assess the Pothole Eradication Project (PEP), led by Prof. Lize Theron, Head of CUT’s CivilLab.
The initiative aligns with the university’s sustainable development goals of training, road repairs, and research.
In collaboration with the Free State Provincial Government, the project forms part of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), which not only tackles infrastructure challenges but also fosters skills development and creates employment opportunities for unskilled women and youth.
“The PEP focuses on three intertwined pillars: training, pothole repair, and research,” highlighted Theron. “This unique approach demonstrates how academic insight, innovation, and provincial governance can converge to address pressing infrastructural challenges. In May 2024, over 12,000 person-days of work were created, benefitting diverse groups. CUT students, using a GIS-based monitoring system, have ensured real-time oversight and accountability in project sites, further enhancing the initiative’s efficiency.”
She further went on to explain that the research component of the PEP is focused on developing sustainable and cost-effective pothole repair solutions. “This involves innovative asphalt materials and geotechnical risk management strategies to enhance infrastructure longevity. The project’s alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, further establishes it as a benchmark for urban resilience and sustainable development,” Theron said.
Hlengwa praised the project’s innovative approach, highlighting the GIS monitoring tool that offers comprehensive oversight while Mbalula expressed interest in extending the tool’s use to other provincial projects.
Discussions are currently underway to expand the project’s scope, with the possibility of involving national stakeholders such as Sanral and Salga.
Compiled by Warren Hawkins
