Councillor urges the city to attend to repair potholes
“I have been reporting potholes to the CoE since 2022.”
Highlighting the frustration residents have endured for years, Ward 91 Clr Desmond McKenzie has voiced concerns about the deteriorating roads in Birchleigh North and Norkem Park.
“I have received many complaints from concerned residents, and while we have logged and forwarded pothole issues to the city since 2022, it has done nothing to clear the backlog,” said McKenzie.
He pointed to Jukskei Street in Norkem Park as a prime example of neglect, saying its dangerous condition is a significant risk to school children and scholar transport using the road daily.
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McKenzie listed several roads urgently needing repairs, including Pongola Street between Mooirivier and Krokodil, and Sterkrivier, Groot Letaba, Tenkwa, Dries Niemandt, Easton, Van der Nest, Chris Kruger, Gamka, and Umgenirivier streets.
“These roads’ appalling state is a safety concern and a financial burden for motorists.
“The many potholes damage vehicles, which leads to expensive tyre and suspension repairs. Drivers are forced to swerve to avoid damage, which increases the risk of accidents.”
Despite the many complaints and logged requests with the city’s and Stormwater Department, McKenzie said residents have seen little to no progress.
“In many cases, logs are closed without any work done, leaving residents feeling ignored and neglected,” he said.
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McKenzie criticised a statement by the MMC for Transport Planning, Roads and Stormwater, Andile Mngwevu, in a council meeting on February 27. Mngwevu claimed the department was repairing potholes daily.
“That statement rings hollow. It is unsupported by the reality on the ground. The lack of transparency and accountability is unacceptable,” McKenzie said.
He called for immediate municipal action, outlining the urgent repairs of Jukskei Street and all other affected roads, a clear plan and timeline for these repairs and greater transparency and accountability in road maintenance efforts.
“The safety of our children and the community is paramount,” he stressed.
McKenzie has urged the CoE to take accountability and ensure it prioritises pothole repairs and road maintenance.
The Kempton Express sent an enquiry to the CoE on April 16, requesting a response by April 24, but had received no comment at the time of going to print.
