Residents of Chorisia Lane and Celtis Crescent at Fourways Gardens Estate will have to wait a little longer for the long-anticipated road repairs.
The project has been postponed to May, according to Ward 94 councillor David Foley, who has been at the forefront to get it resolved. The repair work was initially set to begin on March 16, and was expected to take around six weeks, with significant disruption anticipated for affected households.
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Foley explained that the affected road, which stretches several hundred metres, suddenly erupted at the end of September 2025, with the paving lifting and the surface turning into what he described as marshmallow. He said investigations revealed that groundwater was the cause. “We couldn’t believe it because there was so much water. We thought there might be a pipe burst or something like that.”
Despite digging up a large underground pipe, no leaks were found. He said further tests confirmed that the issue falls under Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA).
The repair work was going to affect at least 34 to 35 households in Celtis Crescent. “I have asked for a meeting with the management of the roads agency to at least explain to the residents why they put the project on hold. They are increasingly getting frustrated, and understandably so. Their reason for postponing the project is that it is due to the rainy season.”
The project, according to Foley, was expected to involve multiple layers to manage the groundwater, which Foley believes stems from an underground river in the area.
The total cost of the road upgrade is allegedly estimated at around R3m. Officials from JRA were previously on site, but declined to comment or confirm the figure to Fourways Review, saying that all queries must be directed through their communications department.
The estate management said, “We are disappointed by the delay and sincerely hope the JRA is able to resolve the operational challenges it has identified. After many months of appeals and escalation efforts by the HOA and Councillor Foley, our residents deserve a clear path forward and safe, unimpeded access to their homes.”
Meanwhile, the JRA communications department was contacted for comment on March 9, which Bertha Scheepers acknowledged. We followed up on March 12 and again on March 13, but no response was received to the following questions.
- The repair has been cited to cost approximately R3m. Could you confirm this amount and provide a detailed breakdown explaining how this figure was calculated, given the road’s relatively short length?
- Could you outline the specific work that will be undertaken to address the groundwater issues, including any engineering measures required to prevent future damage?
- Could you provide an official statement regarding the current condition of the road and the urgency of the repairs, especially after your assessment on March 6?
- Can you confirm the expected start and completion dates for the repair work, and whether there are any planned updates for residents during the project?
JRA’s Lucia Mhlanga said: “We will find out and advise,” when asked to confirm if the project has been postponed to May.
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