Councillor claims Johannesburg Roads Agency overspent R200m, even as repairs stall
Ward 132 residents are being left to navigate crumbling roads as JRA has allegedly blown through its budget, a situation councillor Annette Deppe says is the result of deepening fiscal mismanagement.
Headline: Councillor claims Johannesburg Roads Agency overspent R200m, even as repairs stall
Teaser: Ward 132 residents are being left to navigate crumbling roads as JRA has allegedly blown through its budget, a situation councillor Annette Deppe says is the result of deepening fiscal mismanagement.
Ward 132 councillor Annette Deppe has raised serious concerns about the steady decline of basic infrastructure in the community.
She said that road repairs have stalled, while the city’s budget problems continue to deepen. In a media statement released this week, Deppe expressed deep concern over the continued deterioration of roads across the ward, from unfilled potholes to stalled resurfacing projects and incomplete reinstatements.
According to her, the stagnation in service delivery stems from one core issue. “The lack of progress in repairing potholes, resurfacings, and reinstatements is directly attributable to the failure to allocate necessary funds to our ward.”
Deppe further criticised the current administration for what she called a persistent inability to meet fundamental infrastructure needs.
Her statement highlights that Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) has overspent by R100m this quarter, subsequently drawing an additional R100m from the next quarter’s budget, a move she describes as fiscally irresponsible and unsustainable. “This pattern of fiscal mismanagement is untenable.” She noted that the consequences are now being felt at community level, where residents are left navigating increasingly unsafe and poorly maintained roads.
Also read: JRA’s Operation Restore ends 3-year uneven road battle in Paulshof
Deppe is calling on city leadership to prioritise both transparency and accountability in how resources are managed. She urged the relevant authorities to take decisive action to correct budgetary missteps, and ensure that Ward 132 receives the funding it desperately requires. “Our community is entitled to safe and well-maintained roads. We will continue to advocate for the necessary changes to achieve this goal.”
JRA’s media team has been approached to comment on the following questions:
- Can JRA confirm the reported R100m overspend for the current quarter, and provide clarity on how these funds were utilised?
- What led to the early use of an additional R100m from next quarter’s budget, and how does JRA plan to operate for the remainder of the financial year?
- What are the specific reasons for the stalled road repairs, pothole maintenance, and reinstatements within Ward 132?
- What steps is the agency taking to address the backlog of road repairs and maintenance work in the ward?
- How will JRA improve transparency, accountability, and financial oversight going forward to restore public confidence?
Their response will be published as soon as it’s received.
Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!
