LSPWC Procures Potholes Patching Machine

A machine called Pothole-Patcher specifically designed to repair potholes on roads has been procured by the Lagos State Public Works Corporation, LSPWC.

The machine, which stores all materials needed to patch potholes, has an insulator in its compartments that ensures that the quality of asphalt is maintained until it’s put to use.

Speaking during the test-run of the machine at Otunba Jobi-Fele Way, Ikeja, Executive Chairman LSPWC, Mr. Gbenga Akintola, said early detection and repair of potholes on roads prevent further damage and save cost that would be incurred on such roads if left to deteriorate.

Akintola said the machine can store up to six tonnes of asphalt and has a yellow box containing the asphalt binder known as MC1 connected to its body. This allows asphalt to be conveniently spread on the surface of the repaired portion with ease. In addition, there is a compartment at the lower part of the machine where debris collected from the area repaired are kept.

“Presently, two of the machines have been added to the equipment used by our maintenance team. The machine has the capacity to repair one square metre of pothole in seven minutes and with frequent use, more time will be saved,” he said.

Akintola noted that for a road maintenance agency to become relevant, it must be proactive in adopting modern maintenance practice which is cost effective.

LSPWC has the mandate to maintain roads in Lagos within the limited funds available, hence tackling fresh potholes will minimize the number of damaged roads in the state.

The chairman noted that with the conclusion of the turnaround maintenance of its asphalt plant, the corporation’s maintenance team has resumed its daily road maintenance with about 28 locations to work on daily.

According to the chairman, the corporation has marked about 300 roads in all the local government areas to be repaired in the next three month, starting from December.