2nd Street in Wynberg, which has become a lightning rod for criticism, could soon undergo long-awaited reconstruction.

Stretching from Vincent Tshabalala Road down to the lively Pan Africa Shopping Centre, the decaying road has long served motorists heading to both Pan and the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court. Yet, for years the road has been crumbling due to human activity, according to city officials.

Read more: City returns to Wynberg precinct for renewed service delivery operation

The City of Johannesburg has attempted to respond to the challenges in area through service delivery operations, mostly led by the city’s MMCs, including Mlungisi Mabaso and Eunice Mgcina. The interventions resulted in the removal of an illegal recycling area that was cluttered with abandoned vehicles, and recycling bags. They have also cracked down on illegal electricity connections, where exposed copper cables ran dangerously on walkways.

However, the most pressing issue remained the road itself. The right side of 2nd Street, particularly near the Council informal settlement down to Watt Avenue, is constantly eroded by wastewater flowing from the settlement. This persistent waterlogging, according to regional director for citizen relationship and urban management department Makgafela Thaba has damaged the underground layers of the road, making asphalt repairs nearly impossible without first allowing the road to dry up.

Makgafela revealed that they have intentions to fix the road. He said Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) is ready to undertake repairs, but accessing the road and resolving issues of water management remain concerning issues that delay interventions.

Thus far, a clogged drain along the street has been unblocked to reduce the amount of water on the road, but still, the road remains inaccessible for proper reconstruction.

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During his recent visit in the area, MMC for Public Safety Mgcini Tshwaku acknowledged the challenges on 2nd Street. “It is dirty, it is cramped, it has stinking water. It is a public space and a government space, and if you have buildings that are really dirty, it questions our leadership, what kind of leaders are we?”

He noted that their visit forms part of their efforts to address issues in the area.

Closing the street for repairs has been considered, but officials worry about disrupting cases being heard at the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court.

Despite the challenges, discussions within the city signal a commitment to repair. Makgafela said the mayor’s office has referred the matter to his office, and that JRA stands ready to act once water management issues have been dealt with.

Alex News reached out to both Johannesburg Water and JRA for comment on March 12. An update will be provided once their comment is received.

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