Beaulieu residents fix roads Johannesburg Roads Agency is neglecting
Fed up with empty promises, locals and employers are spending thousands of rands every month just to keep Beaulieu roads passable, roads JRA has failed to repair for decades.
Potholes along Palamino Road in Beaulieu, have deteriorated to such an extent that simply driving or riding a bicycle has become dangerous.
Some community members have even been forced to take road maintenance into their own hands.
During a recent site visit, Ward 94 councillor David Foley came across two men filling potholes themselves using a bakkie and basic materials, not as part of a municipal project, but on instruction from their gatvol employer who lives in the area.
Read more: JRA clears debris at Platina Bridge after flood risk concerns
The work, they explained, has become a necessary but costly routine. “The road is so bad that we can’t leave it like this,” said Desmond Dube, one of the workers.
“Our employer spends close to R40 000 every month, because one bag of asphalt is about R150, just trying to fill these potholes so vehicles can get through. When it rains, it’s even worse, the holes open up again and the road becomes a mess.”
According to Foley, Palamino Road has not been resurfaced in decades, despite repeated complaints. “This road was identified as one of those that should have been resurfaced a long time ago. There have been repeated reports to Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA), and officials have come out to inspect, but residents are still waiting for action.”
Foley said promises were made during previous site visits by officials, but those commitments were never fulfilled. “We’ve had officials come out, assess the situation and acknowledge how bad the road is. Unfortunately, residents are tired of promises that don’t translate into repairs.”
He described the situation as unacceptable, particularly given that residents and businesses pay rates and taxes “What we’re seeing here is communities spending extra money on something they already pay for. People are digging into their own pockets just to make roads passable. That should not be happening.”
Also read: Councillor flags 50 potholes on Calderwood Road, tags JRA with proof on X
The councillor added that Palamino Road was also flagged during a recent ward-wide survey he conducted to assess infrastructure concerns. “Over 200 residents responded to the survey, and the state of roads came up repeatedly. Bally Road was one of the roads residents specifically highlighted as being in a terrible condition.”
Foley warned that the problem escalates during rainy periods, when potholes fill with water and become less visible. “That’s when accidents happen. It becomes disastrous.”
He said he would continue to engage JRA and push for Palamino Road to be prioritised for resurfacing. “Residents are frustrated, and rightly so. This is basic infrastructure, and people deserve better.”
The roads agency has been contacted for comment and their response will be published when received.
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