Alternative access route for Fourways Gardens residents under review
Ward 94 councillor David Foley says he is awaiting a decision from Johannesburg Roads Agency and City Parks on whether a pedestrian walkway can be used to ease access for affected residents.
Residents of Chorisia Lane, Celtis Crescent, and Theresa Road in Fourways Gardens have faced weeks of disruption following the closure of a section of road due to infrastructure repairs.
The road collapsed last year after a suspected groundwater and pipe leak left it unstable and spongy.
Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) subsequently closed the road for several weeks to carry out repairs before reopening it.
Read more: Recently repaired Witkoppen Road pipeline bursts again, flooding bridge in Paulshof
Despite the reopening, residents say the underlying issue has not been fully resolved, and have raised ongoing concerns about access to their homes. Some affected residents are calling for permission to use an existing pedestrian walkway as a temporary vehicle access route while the remaining work is completed.
Responding to residents’ concerns, Ward 94 councillor David Foley said he has approached JRA and Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo for formal guidance on whether an existing pedestrian walkway can be used as a temporary access route for vehicles.
Foley said the homeowners association has already used the walkway to assist residents by transporting people and deliveries with golf carts.
“We certainly looked at this as another option for the Celtis Crescent people, and all the people that live on Theresa Road to use their cars here.”
Also read: Delay at Witkoppen Road repair site as Johannesburg Water workers are injured
However, Foley said JRA advised that allowing vehicles through the walkway could trigger environmental and legislative challenges.
“What I’ve done recently, this last week now, I’ve engaged with JRA and City Parks to give me official communication on whether this walkway can be used or not going forward, when JRA do their final implementation, which should take about two weeks. I’m waiting for that answer and I’ll communicate that as such.”
Foley said he would update residents once he receives formal feedback from the relevant authorities regarding the proposal.
Both entities were reached out for comment on June 18. An update will be provided once the information is received.
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