Residents are not allowed to carry out road repairs themselves, even when Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) is slow to act, the agency’s head of department for regional operations Khayalethu Gqibitole confirmed.

He said public road and miscellaneous by-laws for the City of Johannesburg metropolitan municipality, Chapter 2(8), states that: No person may deface, tamper, damage, remove, or in any way interfere with any of the council’s property, or work on or along any public road without prior approval.

“This means residents cannot legally maintain or repair road infrastructure unless authorised by JRA.”

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

Despite this, Palamino Road in Beaulieu has deteriorated so badly that residents and local employers have been forced to spend tens of thousands of rands on makeshift repairs.

Some have spent as much as R40 000 buying asphalt and filling potholes themselves, as driving along the road has become dangerous.

When asked about the road’s condition, Gqibitole acknowledged the poor state of Palamino Road, but said the agency’s processes dictate that inspections do not automatically lead to immediate repairs.

“JRA officials have conducted several site inspections, and have acknowledged the deteriorated condition of the road. However, any intervention is subject to technical assessments, budget availability, procurement processes, and alignment with JRA’s planned maintenance and capital works programmes.”

Palamino Road was not included in the resurfacing list compiled in 2018, though patch works are carried out by the depot on an ad hoc basis when needed.

Also read: Councillor flags 50 potholes on Calderwood Road, tags JRA with proof on X

When asked whether the road would be prioritised for resurfacing, given the ongoing safety risks and escalating costs borne by residents, Gqibitole said it remains on JRA’s maintenance and capital works backlog.

“Should funding become available, its condition, safety risks, and the frequency of complaints will be key factors in determining its priority, relative to other roads across the network. At this stage, no projected timeline for resurfacing can be confirmed.”

Residents and businesses in the area continue to push for urgent action, frustrated by repeated promises that have not translated into concrete repairs.

Ward 94 councillor David Foley said the road has been flagged multiple times in surveys and complaints, yet JRA action has been slow.

“People are paying rates and taxes, yet they have to spend their own money just to make roads passable. That should not be happening. This is basic infrastructure, and residents deserve better.”

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