Small signs seen in dealing with potholes in Kempton Park

In response to the growing frustration over the state of roads in Kempton Park, Kempton Express recently revisited key sites to assess progress after repeated complaints from the public.

Although there were small signs of progress in repairs to the potholes many concerns remain.

Over the past two weeks, the Kempton Express has been inundated with messages from motorists fed up with the pothole-ridden streets that have made daily commutes hazardous.

On March 4, a team of journalists conducted a survey of Albatross and Sarel streets, some of the worst-hit areas, documenting the extent of the problem.

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Along a 600m stretch of Albatross Street, from Highveld Road to the Voortrekker Road on-ramp, a staggering 41 potholes were counted.

On the return route toward Highveld Road, another 38 were found.

Just a few blocks away on Sarel Street, 34 potholes were recorded within 100m, 29 of which had already been patched previously.

The potholes varied significantly in size and depth, with widths ranging from 5cm to 82cm and depths between 4cm and 18cm.

These conditions have made navigating the roads especially treacherous during peak hours, in rainy weather, and at night.

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“I am thankful that someone is taking notice of the potholes,” said one motorist who stopped to speak to journalists on the scene.

For drivers like Ruth Ndara, a Bolt driver who relies on the roads daily, the impact is more than an inconvenience, it’s a financial burden.

“The problem is worse at night and when it’s raining,” she said.

“I can’t see the potholes properly when they are filled with water, and I drive straight into them, damaging my car and tyres.”

Following this investigation, Kempton Express sent a formal enquiry to the City of Ekurhuleni requesting detailed information about budgets, repairs, complaints received, and how residents can claim for pothole-related damages.

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As of April 25, the city has yet to comment on the enquiry.

The Kempton Express team recently returned to Albatross Street to monitor any progress.

Journalists found that a small section of the road from Voortrekker Road to Highveld Road has been repaired.

“Although this small stretch of Albatross is finally receiving long-overdue attention, the repairs are limited to a single portion of the route and do not address the broader issue affecting the surrounding roads, including Sarel Street,” said intern journalist, Lerato Mokonyane.

“While this action is a step in the right direction, it remains a drop in the ocean for frustrated motorists.