JRA admits rubble is theirs contractor stored
The Johannesburg Roads Agency confirms that a contractor was authorised to temporarily store resurfacing material along Lombardy Road, while stating it was not aware of residents’ concerns at the time.
Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) has confirmed that rubble along Lombardy Road was placed there by its appointed contractor.
They say this was part of an ongoing resurfacing project, and that they are not aware of complaints raised by Broadacres residents.
The material, which stretches from near Homestead Estate towards Bushwillow Avenue and Cedar Avenue West, had sparked concern among residents who believed it to be unauthorised dumping.
Read more: JRA begins removing Lombardy Road rubble
They argued that it was contributing to environmental degradation and increased illegal dumping in the area.
JRA head of department of infrastructure development Kwazelela Mcetywa said: “The contractor was permitted to temporarily store the milled material in a dedicated area, which would, in turn, be removed at the end of the contract.
“JRA was not alerted and informed of the complaints from the residents of Lombardy Road.”
Mcetywa added that the agency has since begun addressing the situation. “JRA is currently in the process of relocating the milled chips to other gravel roads.
“Additionally, it has been observed that building rubble has been unlawfully disposed of by other parties unknown to JRA, which does not fall within JRA’s, or the contractor’s, responsibilities.”
Also read: Broadacres residents alarmed by alleged JRA contractor dumping along Lombardy Road
Residents from Homestead Estate had previously raised concerns about the impact of the rubble, saying it had encouraged further illegal dumping and created disturbances.
A member of the estate’s homeowners association said the lack of communication contributed to confusion and frustration in the community.
“The problem that we’ve had over the past few months is JRA dumping all the way down Lombardy Road, which has basically caused extra problems with illegal dumping.”
While concerns remain over the lack of communication, residents have welcomed the fact that removal of the rubble has now begun. “We are very happy that we were heard and action was taken.”
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