A shortage of the tar ingredient bitumen was hampering pothole repairs in Nelson Mandela Bay, the municipality said on Wednesday.
“The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s turn-around time for fixing potholes and the tarring of roads [is] currently affected due to the national shortage of bitumen…,” said spokesperson Kupido Baron in a statement.
Bitumen is an oily black substance which binds tar and makes it waterproof.
According to the website of the SA Bitumen Association, the shortage started when a fire broke out at the Engen refinery in Durban on October 10.
Bitumen production was expected to resume on November 23, but would probably only be readily available in December, said chairperson Phillip Hechter.
Baron said other materials, including gravel, were being used as a temporary measure to fix potholes.
All potholes would be properly repaired when the bitumen supply resumed, he said.
– SAPA
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