Although long-awaited road maintenance has finally begun in Khutsong Extension 3, residents are frustrated that essential safety issues are still being ignored.

For the past few weeks, the Merafong City Local Municipality has been patching potholes on Leon Golodela Street, the main road through the area. While residents appreciate the improvements, many say the work overlooks more urgent and long-standing problems.

“They fixed the potholes in the street next to my yard, but the storm water drain that has been blocked for years is still untouched,” says local resident Jacob Gumede. “We’ve reported it countless times, and nothing has been done.”

According to Gumede, the blocked storm water drain causes rainwater and sewage to flood the road, leading to repeated damage and the reformation of potholes. “They’re fixing the symptoms, not the cause,” he adds.

Residents are also alarmed by the municipality’s failure to close a deep open manhole and a gaping storm water drain next to the recently repaired sinkhole across from Hlanganani Primary School. These exposed hazards lie directly next to the sidewalk and pose a serious risk to learners who walk to school daily.

Despite community complaints over several years, no action has been taken to address these dangers. The Herald reached out to municipal spokesperson Temba Fezani for comment, but no response was received at the time of publication.