Johannesburg Roads Agency addresses Ward 115 road maintenance and budget concerns raised by councillor
While routine maintenance continues as scheduled, reduced funding has forced JRA to seek mid-term budget adjustments for major infrastructure repairs.
Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) has responded to concerns raised by Ward 115 councillor Mark van der Merwe about road maintenance, procurement and budget constraints affecting infrastructure in the ward.
Van der Merwe highlighted potholes, road markings, Platina Bridge, Randa Road resurfacing and storm water infrastructure as pressing needs. He also expressed concern that the recent closure of the city’s asphalt plant was affecting repairs, including work on Platina Street.
Read more: JRA begins removing Lombardy Road rubble
Infrastructure development head of department Kwazelela Mcetywa confirmed that the asphalt plant is experiencing operational problems and said repairs on Platina Street began on the day the plant broke down. “As soon as the plant is producing, all areas that were prepared for repairs will be attended to,” the agency said.
Mcetywa disputed the councillor’s broader claim that budget constraints are affecting routine road maintenance in Ward 115. He said the operational budget covers all wards within a region and that Region E currently has no budget constraint issues affecting road maintenance.
He added that maintenance is being carried out according to schedule and that the ward has no major road-maintenance issues.
On road markings, JRA said it has procured the required paint and is awaiting delivery. Once it is in stock, level-one road-marking maintenance will proceed. Mcetywa did, however, acknowledge funding pressure on larger infrastructure projects.
Also read: JRA admits rubble is theirs contractor stored
“JRA has been adversely impacted due to financial constraints experienced by the city, as a result the programme budgets for resurfacing as well as bridges has been drastically reduced. This has impacted the implementation of bridges planned.
With the available budget priority has been given to projects which are currently active on the ground. JRA is in continuous engagement with the city regarding the additional budget as well as budget reprioritisation,” he said.
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