Johannesburg Roads Agency to repair Chorisia Lane and Celtis Crescent after they turned to marshmallow
The road, which suddenly turned spongy and soaked overnight, is now going to be fixed, at a reported cost of R3m.
Residents of Chorisia Lane and Celtis Crescent at Fourways Gardens Estate will face weeks of disruption as a major road repair project is set to begin.
According to Ward 94 councillor David Foley, the affected road, which stretches several hundred metres, suddenly erupted at the end of September 2025, with the paving lifting and the surface turning into what he described as marshmallow.
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He said investigations revealed that groundwater was the cause. “We couldn’t believe it because there was so much water, we thought there might be a pipe burst or something like that.”
Despite digging up a large underground pipe, no leaks were found. He said further tests confirmed that the situation was indeed a Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) matter.
@caxtonjoburgnorth WATCH: Ward 94 councillor David Foley explain how a road erupted at Fourways Gardens Estate and will need millions of rands to repair. Video: Ditiro Masuku #Ward94 #Fourways ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North
Foley said the repair work, which starts on March 16, is expected to take around six weeks. “At least 34 to 35 households down south in Celtis Crescent will be affected. They won’t be able to access their homes easily. We’ll provide daily updates on the progress, and there are many logistics to consider, including access for emergency vehicles.” Residents are advised to stay informed about progress updates and alternative access routes during the repair project.
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The project will involve multiple layers to manage the groundwater, which Foley believes stems from an underground river in the area. “I believe that, many years ago, this area was an underground river flowing to a lower point, which has now caused this eruption. As you can see, the entire stretch is completely soaked.”
The total cost of the road upgrade is estimated at R3m. Officials from JRA were on site but declined to comment or confirm the R3m figure when Fourways Review attempted to get insights from them. They said any queries must first go through their communications department.
The JRA communications department was contacted for comment. An update will be provided once available.
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