Florence Mophosho Road, towards the Setswetla Bridge, continues to decay, partly due to illegal activities happening in the area, according to Johannesburg Road Agency (JRA).
Residents have flagged the deteriorating condition of the road, noting how, in its current state, it cannot be utilised by vehicles.
The road, especially around the Setswetla Road intersection, has gaping potholes, and, at times, a stream of sewage that continues to erode what remains of the tar.
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Now, one lane of the road is so damaged that vehicles are forced to veer into oncoming traffic to avoid further harm to their cars.
Committee members in the Setswetla informal settlement said the decay was a sign that their settlement had been neglected by municipal entities and the Ward 109 councillor. JRA confirmed to Alex News that it is aware of the current condition of Florence Mophosho Road, but cannot undertake repairs in the area yet.
JRA’s head of regional operations Khaya Gqibitole said their teams have conducted road repairs in the area over the past months, but unlawful human activities have contributed to the deterioration.
“Encroachments on the road reserve, illegal sewer connections into the storm water system, illegal carwashes, and the perpetual flow of grey water due to illegal discharge into the road reserve have all contributed to the road degradation.”
He explained that, to reach a long-term solution and protect the infrastructure in the area, there must be a holistic intervention from multiple agencies and departments, including Johannesburg Water, the department of human settlements, the developmental planning department, and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department.
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Gqibitole added that the road cannot be repaired while water constantly flows across its surface. “Road repairs cannot be undertaken on wet surfaces or conditions, and the current continuous flow of water and other illegalities currently impede our efforts to repair the road.”
He noted that the issues in the Setswetla informal settlement require interventions from multiple entities before JRA can step in.
“JRA continues to engage the relevant stakeholders through the regional citizen relationship and urban management office.”
Meanwhile, Ward councillor Lori Coogan rejected claims of deliberately neglecting the informal settlement, emphasising her willingness to work with all residents in her ward.
“By working together, a lot more can be accomplished, even if some issues take longer than others. Persistent perseverance and co-operation yield results.”
She urged residents to raise their service delivery concerns with her on WhatsApp, including their full details, address, and the issue that needs to be resolved.
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