Update: Pothole repairs on Valley Road confirmed to take place
The road agency has given a timeline by which they hope to have repaired the pothole-riddled road in the area, but it is dependent on the weather.
Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) has responded to ongoing complaints about potholes on Valley Road in Broadacres, confirming that repairs are scheduled for the week of April 14 to 18.
The road agency received numerous reports and concerns from residents, however, the recent rainfall has caused delays in the repair programme, this according to JRA’s head of regional operations Khayalethu Gqibitole.
Gqibitole said Valley Road is included in their internal maintenance plan, managed at the depot level. He said the agency uses standardised methodologies, including the TMH9 manual and visual condition index (VCI), to assess road conditions and prioritise repairs.
Also read: Water leak results in massive potholes as councillor demands repairs
“These methods help determine the urgency of repairs based on various forms of pavement distress, such as cracking, rutting, potholes, and surface wear, as outlined in JRA’s road maintenance guidelines,” he added.
Gqibitole has also clarified their approach to temporary fixes. He said in cases where immediate action is needed, milled chips – a material milled from old roads – are used as a temporary solution to ensure road safety.
Read more: JRA repairs Fourways potholes
However, these temporary measures are followed by permanent repairs, which are added to the maintenance programme under JRA’s work order system.
Ward 96 councillor Rufas Maswazi said he is also not impressed with the state of Richard Road and Bushwillow Avenue, which he shares with David Foley, Ward 94 councillor.
Foley said: “It’s a disaster zone, with many escalations done over a two-week timeline.”
Also read: JRA takes proactive steps to clear blocked storm water drains in Fourways amidst rainy season
Foley confirmed all the water leaks on the road have been addressed but the area needs to dry. “Johannesburg Water placed some sand in the potholes, so, its a bit better. Dry sand will be brought in to fill the holes, and JRA will repair the road and potholes.”
Maswazi said: “I am also affected as a resident. The entrance to my gate is riddled with potholes as well. If I had the means, there would never to be a pothole in my ward. Unfortunately, we are dealing with people who have their own offices and report to others and the job is still not being done. I know several roads that have similar issues, like Valley Road. I brought the road agency to take account for what is going on in my ward. They did come, but now it’s just escalations and constant follow-ups until the job gets done.”
Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We’d love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts!
