Concerns raised by Ward 115 councillor Mark van der Merwe about budget and procurement constraints affecting road maintenance have prompted the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) to clarify its position on service delivery.

Van der Merwe raised concerns about several road infrastructure challenges in Ward 115, arguing that financial constraints across the City of Johannesburg were making it increasingly difficult for municipal entities to carry out maintenance and upgrades.

Among the issues he highlighted were potholes, road markings, Platina Bridge repairs, Randa Road resurfacing and stormwater infrastructure on Juweel and Randa roads.

Read more: JRA begins removing Lombardy Road rubble

Van der Merwe also said repairs on Platina Street had been affected by the closure of the city’s asphalt plant, claiming that there was no cold tar available for temporary repairs.

However, JRA head of department for infrastructure development Kwazelela Mcetywa said routine road maintenance in Ward 115 is not currently affected by regional budget constraints, while acknowledging that reduced funding has affected major infrastructure projects.

Mcetywa said regional operations are funded through an operational expenditure budget covering all wards in a region and that Region E is not experiencing budget constraints affecting routine road maintenance.

He confirmed a disruption to repairs on Platina Street after its asphalt plant experienced operational problems.

Also read: JRA admits rubble is theirs contractor stored

“Repairs on Platina Street began on the same day the asphalt plant broke down, meaning the work could not proceed. As soon as the plant is producing, all areas that were prepared for repairs will be attended to.”

On road markings, Mcetywa said paint has been procured, and the agency is waiting for delivery, after which level 1 maintenance will proceed.

The agency’s response also reveals a distinction between routine maintenance and larger capital-intensive projects.

“Regarding Platina Bridge and Randa Road resurfacing, the JRA has been adversely impacted by limited budget allocation in the current financial year, where a reduced budget for bridges and resurfacing programmes was allocated. The JRA will request budget from the City at the mid-term budget adjustment period to proceed with the implementation of Platina Bridge and resurfacing.”

Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates!