JOHANNESBURG - Potholes have become a persistent problem on South Africa’s roads, damaging vehicles and frustrating motorists countrywide.
For many drivers, navigating them has become part of the daily commute.
But one entrepreneur believes the problem also presents an opportunity for a solution.
Instead of waiting for roads to be repaired, Jaraad Hassim developed a product called PatchPal - designed to fix potholes quickly and simply.
“The first step, just clean the hole. Remove any loose debris. Step two is to fill the hole with the PatchPal bags. Just make sure the edges are covered and step three is drive over to compact it. Done,' he said.
The product is a specially engineered cold-mix asphalt packaged in biodegradable mesh bags.
Hassim says the mix is designed not to wash away in the rain.
But there's a catch.
Repairing potholes on public roads without authorisation is illegal.
The idea has sparked debate: should ordinary citizens be allowed to patch potholes themselves?
Motorist who weighed in threw their weight behind the idea calling it innovative. They are urging Government to get involved.
For now, the product is mainly intended for contractors, municipalities, and use on private property.
Hassim says interest has already started coming in - both from local municipalities and from beyond South Africa’s borders.