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Festive travel remains difficult on neglected Farmall roads

Despite assurances from Johannesburg Roads Agency, Farmall residents say unsafe roads and neglected sidewalks continue to disrupt daily life, and festive season travel.

Farmall residents remain frustrated and disappointed as there is still no clear timeframe or budget from Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) to address deteriorating road conditions in the area, leaving them to navigate ungraded gravel roads, deep potholes, and poorly maintained sidewalks.

With the festive season traditionally being a time for travel, family gatherings, and social visits, residents say the poor state of infrastructure has made it difficult to enjoy the period safely and stress-free.

Read more: JRA denies overspend claim as Ward 132 road repair concerns rise

Resident Rosalee Nel said the situation has dampened the festive spirit for many families in the area. “The festive season is supposed to be a time to travel, visit family, and spend time with friends. Instead, we’re worrying about damaging our cars, struggling through potholes, and walking on unsafe, unmaintained sidewalks. It’s incredibly frustrating, and residents are not happy.”

According to residents, several roads in Farmall remain uneven and eroded, with little visible improvement despite repeated complaints.

Previously, JRA head of department for regional operations Khayalethu Gqibitole confirmed that the agency is aware of the condition of the roads in Farmall.

@caxtonjoburgnorth WATCH: Farmall residents navigate ungraded, pothole-ridden roads and overgrown sidewalks, with no clear timeline from JRA for repairs as the festive travel season gets underway. Video: Supplied #Fourways #JRA ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

In response to questions on what steps are being taken, Gqibitole explained that road maintenance forms part of an ongoing programme. “The gravel roads in the area are regularly graded as part of ongoing maintenance. The depot has an established maintenance programme in place to ensure continuous upkeep of these roads. This includes regular blading, re-compaction where necessary, and addressing localised drainage issues to maintain drivability and reduce deterioration caused by weather and traffic.”

Also read: JRA’s Operation Restore ends 3-year uneven road battle in Paulshof

Addressing safety and access concerns, Gqibitole added that JRA has a routine maintenance plan in place for Farmall.

However, residents haven’t seen much change, which leaves them uncertain about when meaningful improvements will be seen.

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Ayanda Ntshingila

Ayanda Ntshingila is an aspiring intern journalist at Caxton Local Media, skilled in news writing and reporting with a passion for storytelling. She is currently contributing to Fourways Review.

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