Birchleigh residents fix potholes themselves after months of municipal delays

Residents of Birchleigh have come together to fix potholes in their neighbourhood, a long-standing frustration that has impacted daily life and road safety. Despite numerous complaints to the municipality, the issues remained unaddressed, prompting the community to seek alternative solutions.

After approaching sponsors and securing resources, residents, with the help of AfriForum and Talisman Kempton Park (Pomona), repaired the potholes themselves. AfriForum provided tar, while Talisman sponsored the machinery needed for the project.

Both sponsors played a crucial role in supporting the residents, enabling them to successfully complete the repairs and improve their roads.

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Jan Vermaak, chairperson of AfriForum Kempton Park, said the organisation aims to work with communities on issues ranging from safety to service delivery.

“I wear two hats. One is in the community, and as the chairperson of AfriForum, I decided with the residents that we would join hands to support each other. That is why we are working together,” he said.

He encouraged residents to take pride in their neighbourhood and contribute where they can. “We cannot wait for someone else.

Kempton Park’s roads will not improve if we don’t take pride in them and work together. If you clean up in front of your house or report an issue, you are taking care of your neighbourhood. But I ask the community to go further, to come out and join us, and be that ‘someone else’ who makes a difference.”

Vermaak added that seeing the residents of Birchleigh take charge of their own neighbourhood was inspiring.

“Our organisation is committed to empowering communities and promoting self-sufficiency.

“We are proud to have been part of this initiative and look forward to the positive impact it will have on residents’ quality of life.”

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Local government portfolio holder Jacques van Eeden said they decided to donate the tar to assist the community using funds collected from members in the area.

“We donate the tar and help with the work, and we also invite community members to participate so they can see it’s not for free; they are contributing themselves,” he said.

Van Eeden said around 100 bags of tar were donated and that the response from residents was encouraging.

“The feedback has been impressive. Residents have been bringing snacks, drinks, and food while we work, showing their appreciation.”

He called on the community to unite and continue working together to improve the area. “If more members can assist us, we can do more of this work.

“If 100 000 people in Kempton Park can contribute R50, we can make a huge difference. We can build a better Kempton Park for everyone.”

ALSO READ: Councillor urges the city to attend to repair potholes

Van Eeden acknowledged the municipality’s shortcomings in addressing the pothole complaints.

“While we appreciate the residents’ enthusiasm and resourcefulness, we acknowledge that our response may not have been adequate. We will review our processes to ensure we are more responsive to the needs of our communities in the future.”

Residents shared their gratitude and relief following the repairs. Gwen Walker, a Birchleigh resident, said the potholes had made driving difficult and dangerous in the neighbourhood.

“We really do appreciate these people who are giving up their time on a Saturday to help us,” she said.

“It’s been difficult with the potholes, especially near corners, because people swerve, and it becomes dangerous, particularly for children riding their bikes. We’re so thankful for the help we are getting now.”

Another resident, Damian Lee Lubbe, who recently moved back to Birchleigh after living in Benoni, shared his relief at seeing the improvements.

“When I visited the area, the potholes just kept getting worse, and although residents reported them, nothing was done,” he said.

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“My partner, Rosemary Shepherd, and I decided to make a change in this wonderful community we call home again.”

He explained the risks potholes posed, forcing drivers into oncoming traffic to avoid them, and the damage they caused to vehicles.

“I feel happy that we have not only united the Birchleigh community to join hands but also created a better atmosphere with the roads now repaired.”

Lubbe thanked everyone who had supported the project. “I’d like to thank each and every person who gave up their time to assist in this project.

“We couldn’t have done it without you. We will claim our Birchleigh back.”