Ward 132 councillor Annette Deppe has welcomed the Gauteng department of roads and transport’s swift action to repair a large pothole on the R55 near Kyalami Estate, which had been putting motorists, commuters, and taxi operators at risk.

This follows Deppe taking to X, tagging the provincial roads department on January 14, and providing evidence of just how dangerous the pothole had become.

Read more: Councillor flags 50 potholes on Calderwood Road, tags JRA with proof on X

The pothole, present for at least three months, had steadily worsened despite repeated reports from residents and authorities.

Deppe confirmed it was repaired the same day she posted the video. Before that, she said it was a dangerous pothole. “A chevron had been placed here to prevent vehicles from driving over it, but this was very serious. The province has known about this problem since last year, and it’s good to finally see action.”

The affected stretch of road, badly cracked along a 500m section, severely impacted daily taxi operations, with around 62 taxis and hundreds of commuters using the route each day.

Also read: Platina Road potholes finally repaired after rain delays

Deppe also highlighted another safety concern, just beyond the Kyalami traffic lights, where a sinkhole has developed on the opposite side of the road. “Residents have been reporting this issue for months, and it’s reassuring to see action finally taken.

“They promised to attend to the sinkhole, which I would check to confirm.”

The province was contacted on January 15 for comment on why the pothole took three months to be repaired, among other queries. An update will be provided once a response is received.

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