The CSIR has developed a mobile application (app) to streamline and digitise the reporting of road infrastructure maintenance issues such as potholes and traffic signal failures in Gauteng. Road infrastructure failures pose a significant problem for motorists nationwide, leading to vehicle damage and safety concerns. 

The CSIR was commissioned by the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport (GDRT) to develop the mobile app, which initially served as a platform for the public to report potholes on roads in Gauteng but has been expanded to also allow the public to report non-functioning traffic signals, while enabling the GDRT to track and monitor the progress on addressing the reported issues. The app uses geographic information system technology, allowing it to pinpoint the exact location of reported maintenance issues and allocate the issue to the correct road authority for repair and maintenance. 

The app consists of two interfaces: a mobile app available for iOS and Android devices that allows the public to report potholes and non-functioning traffic signals, and a web application dashboard for the GDRT. When users report a road maintenance issue through the mobile app, real-time data is transmitted to the GDRT, enabling it to efficiently allocate resources, monitor reported cases and initiate repairs. Since its launch, over 9 000 public users have submitted reports, resulting in approximately 7 200 reported maintenance issues being assigned to the different road authorities in Gauteng. 

The CSIR drew on its expertise in road asset management and road maintenance activities to develop the app and continues to support the GDRT with services such as the generation of weekly reports to aid decision-making and resource allocation.