Residents in Beaulieu have been forced to spend tens of thousands of rands to keep Palamino Road passable, a road Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) has reportedly failed to repair for decades.
Two men in the area were filling potholes using a bakkie and basic materials, not part of any municipal project, but at the direction of their frustrated employer.
While residents feel abandoned, JRA warns that such DIY repairs are not allowed.
Read more: Ward 106 councillor demands fix for non-functional traffic lights and roads in Douglasdale
Public road and miscellaneous by-laws for Johannesburg, 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.
Head of department for regional operations Khayalethu Gqibitole confirmed that JRA officials have inspected Palamino Road multiple times, but explained that inspections form part of their standard evaluation and prioritisation process, and do not automatically result in immediate repairs.
“Any intervention is subject to technical assessments, budget availability, procurement processes, and alignment with our planned maintenance and capital works programmes.”
He said Palamino Road was not included in the resurfacing list compiled in 2018, though patch works are done as needed.
Regarding resurfacing, Gqibitole said the road remains on JRA’s backlog.
Also read: Ward 96 councillor welcomes JRA road resurfacing in Chartwell’s Farmall area
“Should funding become available, its condition, safety risks, and frequency of complaints will determine its priority. At this stage, no timeline can be confirmed.”
Ward 94 councillor David Foley criticised the ongoing neglect. “People pay rates and taxes, yet communities are spending extra money on something that should be provided by the city.
“Residents are frustrated, and rightly so. This is basic infrastructure. They deserve better.”
Residents continue to fill potholes themselves, even knowing the legal risk, because the road has become too dangerous to ignore.
Foley added that the problem worsens in the rainy season, when potholes fill with water and become hidden, increasing the risk of accidents.
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