The ongoing pothole crisis in Alrode has intensified, with major industrial roads deteriorating to the point where parts of the area are now extremely difficult, and in some instances, unsafe to navigate following continued heavy rainfall.

The Alberton Record met with Ward 92 Clr Samantha Nair, who confirmed that Alrode remains one of the worst-affected industrial areas in Alberton.

According to Nair, roads such as Epsom and Doncaster have reached a severe state of disrepair, with deep potholes, broken surfacing and water damage making everyday travel increasingly hazardous for motorists, delivery vehicles and heavy-duty transport.

Nair explained that while the pothole problem has been persistent for years, the situation has deteriorated significantly due to ongoing weather conditions.

“Heavy rains have worsened existing damage, causing previously patched sections to break open again while exposing new and deeper potholes across key routes,” she said.

She added that many of these road issues have been left unattended for long periods, resulting in cumulative deterioration that is now impacting the functionality of one of Alberton’s most important industrial hubs.

No repair strategy

On a more positive note, maintenance work is underway at the corner of Old Vereeniging and Kliprivier roads, a long-standing problem area that has been the subject of repeated complaints over the years.

“However, this intervention remains limited in scope and does not yet reflect a broader, coordinated repair strategy across Alrode,” Nair said.

The City of Ekurhuleni has been contacted regarding further intervention and long-term road rehabilitation plans, but no formal response has yet been received.

During a site visit, the Alberton Record observed that several streets in the area are in visibly poor condition, with motorists forced to slow down significantly or swerve to avoid deep holes in the road surface.

In some sections, the damage extends across entire lanes, making navigation difficult even for drivers familiar with the area.

Decline in confidence to invest

The toll on the local business community is becoming increasingly evident.

Businesses in the industrial hub have expressed deep frustration, describing the situation as both financially draining and operationally disruptive.

Many report that vehicles are frequently damaged, deliveries are delayed, and transport routes have become unreliable.

The condition of the roads has also created an ongoing sense of uncertainty for companies that rely heavily on daily logistics and smooth transport flow.

There is a growing feeling among businesses that the area is being neglected despite its importance to the local economy.

“The situation is disheartening. The worsening infrastructure is not only affecting operations but also contributing to a decline in confidence in the area as a viable industrial destination,” a businessman in the area noted.

Over the years Alrode’s pothole problem has remained a recurring issue, with previous attempts at temporary repairs offering only short-term relief.

In several instances, local stakeholders have stepped in to patch potholes themselves, but these efforts have repeatedly been undone by rainfall and continued road degradation.

The councillor acknowledged that the challenge is not new and has been ongoing for a prolonged period, with limited sustainable resolution to date.

“The combination of ageing infrastructure, weather impact and delayed maintenance has contributed to the current conditions, which are now being felt more severely by road users and businesses alike,” Nair explained.

Despite isolated maintenance activity, there is still no clear timeline for comprehensive rehabilitation of the broader road network in Alrode.

For now, motorists continue to navigate damaged streets, while businesses in the hub operate under increasingly difficult logistical conditions.

As the situation develops, the call for urgent, coordinated infrastructure intervention grows louder, with the hope that sustained action will restore the industrial area to a safe and functional standard.

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