Ward 38 Councillor, Thavha Maifala-Masebe, has written a follow-up letter to the MMC for Roads and Transport, Cllr Lindiwe Mnguni, raising concern over the lack of response to a previous request for urgent intervention into the pothole backlog and roads maintenance challenges affecting Brackenhurst and Brackendowns.

The original letter, submitted on May 13, raised concerns about the growing pothole backlog in Ward 38, the pressure placed on the Alberton Roads Depot, limited capacity to respond timeously to road defects, and the impact that resource constraints and possible non-payment of service providers may be having on service delivery.

“The matter is being approached in a constructive and solutions-driven manner. The intention is not only to highlight the problem, but also to seek practical and workable solutions that can help the municipality in improving road maintenance and restoring confidence in basic service delivery,” explained Maifala-Masebe.

“Ward 38 residents deserve safe, reliable, and well-maintained roads. Potholes and deteriorating road surfaces not only damage vehicles, but also create safety risks, increase frustration among residents, and weaken public confidence in the municipality’s ability to respond to service-delivery concerns.”

According to Maifala-Masebe, the follow-up letter requests clarification on the immediate interventions to be implemented to reduce the pothole backlog in Brackenhurst and Brackendowns.

“It also asks for information on the resources available to the Alberton Roads Depot, the filling of vacancies within the Roads Department, and whether the City will consider longer-term solutions to improve depot capacity.

“Among the proposed solutions is that the city considers restructuring depot capacity by separating the current depot’s service areas. This would assist in reducing the geographic burden currently placed on the Alberton Roads Depot and improve response times across the affected wards,” he said.

Another proposal is for the city to explore a controlled and properly regulated mechanism that allows willing residents, businesses, and community organisations to assist with pothole repairs under the guidance and supervision of the Roads Department.

“Such a programme would not replace the responsibility of the municipality but could help reduce the immediate backlog while longer-term capacity challenges are being addressed.”

Maifala-Masebe further said that in addition to the follow-up letter, formal questions to council will be submitted to seek accountability on the pothole backlog, road maintenance plans, service-provider payments, vacancies in the Roads Department, and the City’s long-term strategy for improving road maintenance capacity.

“This issue will continue to be pursued on behalf of the residents of Ward 38. The objective is to ensure that Brackenhurst and Brackendowns receive a clear maintenance plan, improved communication, and visible progress on the repair of local roads.”

Residents are encouraged to continue reporting potholes and road defects through the municipality’s official reporting channels and to share reference numbers with the Ward Councillor where follow-up is required.

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