“Right now it looks like a crocodile’s skin.” That’s how Gauteng Roads and Transport Department subcontractor Wandile Hlatshwayo, who is an engineer, described the badly damaged stretch of Winnie Mandela Drive between Witkoppen bridge and the Montecasino Boulevard intersection.

This is a road that has frustrated motorists for weeks due to its bad condition.

But now there’s movement. On May 2, Fourways Review spotted construction teams and tractors stationed beneath the bridge, as workers began to fill in the potholes that have become a daily headache for drivers in the area.

Read more: Potholes rule the roads in Ward 94

Ward 94 councillor David Foley, who has been pushing for intervention, said he has been in constant communication with those involved.

“I’ve been speaking to relevant authorities, and they’ve been willing and helpful,” he said, adding that delays were said to be due to contractor processes. “I appreciate their willingness to assist. The road looks better now than ever.”

But the current work is only a temporary fix.

The longer-term plan involves milling and resurfacing the road, a process, according to Hlatshwayo, involves a specialised machine that grinds away the top layer of tar, roughly about 6cm deep, before rebuilding it.

“Where the base underneath is still strong, it will be left as is. But in areas where the foundation has been damaged, teams will repair the base first before laying a new asphalt surface on top.”

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

The work will cover the stretch from Witkoppen bridge through to the Montecasino Boulevard intersection, an area identified as particularly deteriorated.

Hlatshwayo confirmed that the work will begin soon. The project is expected to cost around R4 to 5m, with 500 tonnes of tar to be used.

Foley also raised concerns about a stormwater drain he spotted along the route that needs attention.

A member of the contractor’s team confirmed it would be attended to as part of the process.

For now, though, the immediate pothole repairs are already making a difference. Motorists who had been navigating the pothole-ridden road are experiencing some relief, and the response from residents has been positive.

Foley said he is encouraged by the progress and hopeful that the long-term solution will restore the road to a safe, smooth condition.