Ward 94 councillor David Foley, who has been actively pushing for the repair of Chorisia Road, convened a meeting with residents of Fourways Gardens Estate, where officials from Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) confirmed that construction will now begin in May.

The meeting, on March 30, held at the councillor’s request following ongoing pressure from residents, focused on long-delayed repairs to Chorisia Road, which collapsed last year and was initially scheduled for repairs on March 16.

Read more: Potholes rule the roads in Ward 94

Mamma Mashishi, from the roads agency, told residents that preliminary investigations revealed a more complex issue than initially thought. “We are not going to be able to just come and fix the surface. The layer beneath has been completely damaged.” As a result, the project has shifted from basic maintenance to a full reconstruction aimed at providing a long-term solution.

The estate’s management committed themselves during the meeting to assist the roads agency with what they need, so that life becomes easier for the residents who were frustrated by the state of the road. The meeting was attended by about 50 residents.

Foley also took the opportunity to address residents at the start of the meeting, dismissing circulating claims about his salary and reaffirming his commitment to the community. “There are rumours that I earn R160 000 a month. That is far from the truth.” He added that his total package, as a councillor, amounts to about R43 015 per month before deductions, leaving him with roughly R27 000 after tax, pension, and medical aid.

Also read: Ward 94 roads under the spotlight as councillor David Foley presses city for accountability

He said the role is officially considered part-time, but said his work extends far beyond that. “If you Google Johannesburg metro information, you will find it. It’s public knowledge. Just a note, I sit in the Daily, Dino’s, and all over the ward to make myself accessible to my residents on the weekend as part of my commitment.

“You won’t really find another councillor that does that to the extent that I do. That is a well-known fact. This is in my private time.”

Foley said he serves the residents seven days a week, from 06:00 to 23:00, and will always be on-site with the entities to ensure water and power are restored. “I get daily messages from residents on WhatsApp, then there is Telegram, X, Facebook, email, etc.”

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