Whole new idea as German town opts to sell its potholes

One of the consequences of recent extreme winter weather in Europe is an increase in potholes. But coming after an economic crisis, some governments are feeling the squeeze and may not have much to spare for rehabilitation of roads.

But the eastern German town of Niederzimmern has apparently come up with a fulfilling idea by literally selling potholes. Here is how it works: For $68 (Sh5,236), a sponsor can own a pothole. And the prize of fixing the crater is to have the donor’s name and an inscription attached to the spot.

Adopt-a-pothole

"The point is to use a funny idea to find people who can then help us to get our streets back in order," Niederzimmern Mayor Christoph Schmidt-Rose told German radio last month. The idea, he added, was to make people "feel like they own the pothole".

Well, owning a pothole may not be the most prime of investments, but such ideas show the need for innovation in road repairs. Maybe Roads Minister Franklin Bett, who is doing a good job, could get more inspiration from faraway Germany.