An anonymous social media account, Fix-ATL, has been using art to fill holes and create a rallying cry to fix the city of Atlanta. The account, which has gained over 4,500 followers, was started by a resident who was frustrated with the city’s slow response to repairing missing or broken water meter lids.

The Problem

The typical path to repair a missing or broken water meter lid is to contact ATL 311 and file a report. However, the account’s creator, who wishes to remain anonymous, found this process to be ‘relatively abysmal in terms of wait times and efficacy.’ The account’s creator decided to take matters into their own hands and started making patches to cover the holes.

The patches are constructed to withstand large amounts of downward force and are sealed with paint and wood stain. They are also designed to be artistic and draw attention to the hazard. The account’s creator believes that the city should be responsible for fixing the infrastructure, but until then, they will continue to make patches to bring attention to the issue.

The City’s Response

The Department of Watershed Management has discouraged the account’s DIY approach, stating that unauthorized modifications can create additional safety hazards and interfere with maintenance activities. However, the account’s creator believes that the likelihood of injury from their patches is significantly lower than the negligence the city has allowed to exist.

The account’s main goal is to pressure the city to fix the infrastructure with art and introduce more accountability. They are tracking water meter holes and manhole covers, and plan to look at sidewalk potholes and ‘unknown drainage holes’ in the future.

Original reporting: SaportaReport — read the source article.