JRA tackles potholes after months of complaints
Scheduled repairs have commenced, and motorists' hopes have been restored after numerous complaints about the never-ending potholes on Market Street and Old Pretoria Road.
Motorists and taxi operators using Market Street and Old Pretoria Road can finally expect relief, as the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) has confirmed that repairs to longstanding potholes at the taxi rank have begun.
Mosa Makhalima of the JRA outlined the scope of work: “We are starting with the potholes and patch work on South and Market streets,” said Makhalima.
Read more: No sign of repairs at Boulders taxi rank despite JRA’s April commitment
These repairs follow concerns raised by road users and highlighted by the Midrand Reporter regarding the worsening potholes around the taxi rank.
Although the repairs were initially scheduled for April, work did not commence as planned, leaving motorists, taxi drivers, and commuters frustrated.
Makhalima explained the delay: “We are dealing with a backlog of escalations, noting that we were in the rainy season.”
With repair work now underway, drivers are hopeful that the improvements will create safer travelling conditions and reduce vehicle damage caused by the road’s poor condition. Taxi driver Zathu Ngema welcomed the start of the repairs.
“I am happy to see the potholes being repaired because we have been waiting for too long for these repairs to happen,” said Ngema. While expressing relief, Ngema urged the agency to prioritise ongoing maintenance.
Also read: Johannesburg Water responds after councillors visit leaking Midrand site
“I hope they will continue conducting regular inspections after the repairs are finished to ensure the roads do not end up in the same condition again,” he added.
Makhalima also noted that maintenance plans were in place to keep the roads in good condition and flagged an illegal activity at the rank. “Engagements with law enforcement have begun to deal with the illegal car washes.”
Motorists and taxi drivers will be watching closely as work progresses, hoping the repairs provide a lasting solution to a problem that has plagued the area for months.
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