Ward 115 residents frustrated by pothole crisis
Angry residents of Ward 115 are voicing frustrations over worsening potholes and delayed repairs, which are leaving roads increasingly hazardous.
Ward 115 residents are facing a growing challenge on their daily commutes as the persistent heavy rainfall takes a toll on local roads, leading to an ‘abnormal’ number of potholes.
According to councillor Mark Van der Merwe, this issue has become particularly noticeable on Campbell and Inchanga roads, where an estimated 44 potholes have been reported to Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA).
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Van der Merwe confirmed these potholes began appearing as early as January or February, but have significantly increased in number due to the recent downpours.
While the potholes have been reported to JRA, repairs are currently stalled due to the weather. “JRA said pothole repairs cannot be done while the asphalt surface is wet, so they need approximately 3–4 days of no rain before they can repair potholes, but we haven’t had rain for a week now.”
The problem isn’t confined to just Campbell and Inchanga roads. The councillor also highlighted several affected areas in Bloubosrand, and a few in Jukskei Park, which have also been brought to the attention of JRA.
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Beyond the immediate need for patching, Van der Merwe discussed long-term strategies to address the issue. While patching is an ongoing operational task, he acknowledged that roads will eventually deteriorate to the point of requiring more extensive work. “The roads will become worse over time, and, eventually, they will require resurfacing.”
On May 12, Van der Merwe confirmed that JRA had started with the repairs on Campbell Road on May 9. “I am informed that the remaining work on Randa, Inchanga, and Willow roads will be done this week, but that remains to be seen.”
JRA head of department, regional operations Khayalethu Gqibitole confirmed that inspectors have identified numerous potholes across Ward 115. A work order has been issued, but the total number of outstanding requests remains high.
According to Gqibitole, the most significant operational challenges faced by JRA teams when performing pothole repairs in Ward 115, as in any other area, include weather conditions, like rain, and the availability of required resources, such as funds, officials, and applicable materials, such as asphalt. “To combat the chronic pothole problem, every two years, JRA commissions a visual condition index (VCI) to assess the state of roads and bridges. It then allocates resources for the required work, according to the outcomes of the VCI.
“JRA follows a structured approach to road management, and visual condition assessments inform our response plan, which prioritises the preservation of existing road infrastructure, keeping it in good condition and not allowing it to deteriorate. Our response plan includes proactive maintenance, including pothole repairs, crack sealing, as well as road resurfacing.”
Gqibitole added that JRA also conducts an annual road resurfacing programme, which forms part of the city’s continued commitment to investing in and improving the road network of the City of Johannesburg. “However, it should be noted that on a day-to-day basis, the maintenance of roads and the fixing of potholes is treated as routine road maintenance, which is reactive. To know the areas where work needs to be done, road maintenance teams conduct inspections. From there, they schedule the work that needs to be done, as per the outcomes of the inspections.”
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