Dodging The Potholes: The Spatio-Distribution And Socio-Economic Impacts Of Potholes In The Residential Areas Of Gweru, Zimbabwe

Abstra c t: Since the year 2000, the city o f Gweru has had an unprecedented proliferation o f unattended potholes on most o f its roads

These potholes have caused discomfort to the motoring public, caused death to others and damaged vehicles. This paper presents the

results o f a study that sought to establish the spatial distribution o f potholes and determine their socio-economic impacts in Gweru’s

residential areas. Pothole location and dimensions were measured in the field whilst interviews and questionnaires were administered to

vehicle owners, motor mechanic experts, drivers and the travelling public to determine their socio-economic and mechanical impacts.

Stratified, convenience and purposive sampling methods were used in the selection o f study streets and respondents to questionnaires

and interviews. Results revealed that potholes are more concentrated in high density residential areas compared to low density areas.

This is primarily due to the substandard construction o f roads done in high density residential areas. Other causes o f pothole formation

identified during this study are poor drainage on the roads, rainfall impact, advanced age o f roads, poor or lack o f maintenance, type and

volume o f traffic as well as the effect o f tree-root prying on paved surfaces. It is recommended that Gweru City Council enters into

partnerships in road construction. The city should also establish fundraising projects to augment its budget. This would help ease

problems o f service delivery including road maintenance. Signposts can be erected to warn drivers about these hazards in the most

affected streets and suburbs. It is also important that council set aside a toll-free telephone line link with road users so that areas where

new potholes have been detected are quickly reported and attended to. This will not only save lives but also reduce road maintenance

costs and vehicle damage.

Key words: Pothole, city council, road maintenance, high-density suburbs.