Businesses in Alrode say frustration is mounting as damaged roads continue to deteriorate, with companies calling for urgent intervention while waiting for long-awaited repairs.

The concerns come after previous complaints about potholes and damaged infrastructure in the industrial area, where businesses warned that poor road conditions were affecting safety, vehicle costs and daily operations.

Businesses call for urgent action

Eugene Jackson of Power Metal Recyclers has continued raising concerns about the condition of Dekenah Street and Juyn Street, key routes connecting businesses in the Alrode industrial area with the R59 and Old Vereeniging Road.

In correspondence sent to the City of Ekurhuleni and other officials, Jackson said that despite several complaints and follow-ups, no meaningful repairs had been carried out.

“Despite numerous complaints submitted to our Ward Councillor and Ekurhuleni, no meaningful action has been taken,” Jackson said.

He said sanitation and sewer pipeline repairs had already been completed, but the road surface and surrounding areas remained unsafe.

According to Jackson, the condition of the roads creates risks of vehicle damage, injuries and further disruption to businesses.

The businessman said his company had been purchasing asphalt from Builders Warehouse at about R120 per 25kg bag to temporarily fill some potholes.

“Some of the potholes are so large that even 10 bags are not sufficient to fill a single hole properly,” he said.

Jackson said temporary repairs were no longer sustainable and called for a permanent solution, including improved drainage infrastructure to prevent water from washing away the road foundation.

Repairs completed, but roads remain damaged

After not receiving a response to his initial complaint, Jackson again requested that the matter be escalated and that a clear action plan be provided.

He requested clarity on who is responsible for the repairs, when work would begin, the expected completion date and what interim safety measures would be implemented.

Jackson said the road issues had been ongoing since the road was excavated by the Alberton City Engineer’s Department in early 2025.

He added that during 2026, Water and Sanitation repaired blocked stormwater drains, but the road surface was never permanently reinstated.

“Although the underground services have been repaired, the road surface has never been permanently reinstated and continues to deteriorate,” he said.

Responsibility and repairs

The matter was referred to different city departments, with officials indicating that responsibility for the reinstatement work needed to be addressed.

Khosi Dlamini from the City of Ekurhuleni’s customer relations management requested assistance from the Roads Department regarding the complaint.

The city’s Water and Sanitation Department later indicated that responsibility related to road reinstatement after service repairs.

“The water department is responsible for the reinstatement after repairs of their services on the road,” said Petunia Mdakane.

Jackson then called on the CoE and the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport to ensure the roads are safe for road users.

He said businesses had followed the correct channels for an extended period but had received no clear action plan.

Dlamini later indicated that R59 and Heidelberg Road fall under provincial responsibility and copied Sandile Mbatha from the relevant provincial department.

She added that Roads and Water Department representatives involved in the matter included Petunia Mdakane and Patrick Rampa.

Rampa from the city indicated that the matter had been discussed with the contractor, who committed to attending to Dekenah Street after completing the current reinstatement work in Thokoza.

“I have spoken to the contractor again; they have committed that from the reinstatement they are busy with at Thokoza, they will attend to Dekenah,” he said.

He acknowledged that there is a backlog but said the matter would be attended to.

Businesses want accountability

Jackson said Dekenah Street and Juyn Street are important access routes serving numerous businesses in Alrode and their condition affects traffic flow, damages vehicles, creates safety hazards and impacts business operations.

“We respectfully request that one responsible official be appointed to coordinate this matter, provide a written action plan, and ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out as a matter of urgency,” he said.

The ongoing concerns follow previous reports by the Alberton Record highlighting worsening road conditions in Alrode, where businesses warned that deteriorating infrastructure was affecting one of the area’s key industrial hubs.

The Alberton Record has approached the City of Ekurhuleni for further comment on the repair timelines and planned interventions.

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