Midrand Region A residents urge action from JRA amid ongoing services challenges
Despite praise for their recent swift pothole patches, many residents report years of neglect, citing ongoing problems such as a lack of routine maintenance, unacknowledged potholes, and wait times of up to three months for repairs.
Residents of Midrand Region A have voiced a mix of appreciation and frustration regarding the Johannesburg Roads Agency’s (JRA) efforts to maintain and improve local infrastructure.
While some community members and councillors acknowledge recent responsive actions, many insist that the agency urgently needs to address ongoing issues that significantly impact their daily lives.
For instance, residents in Kyalami praised JRA for their prompt service in recent pothole repairs. Resident Andrew Hart reported multiple hazardous potholes on Lyndore and Springwell avenues on May 10.
Thanks to his follow-up email, the necessary repairs were completed by May 14, earning the agency commendation from Hart and his neighbours.
“Aside from one small pothole that was missed, everything has been filled. The feedback has been very positive,” said Hart, despite the issue persisting since December last year.
Also read: Watch: President Road in Midrand is a danger
However, this praise is overshadowed by broader dissatisfaction. Many residents report years of neglect, citing ongoing problems such as a lack of routine maintenance, unacknowledged potholes, and wait times of up to three months for repairs. Other concerns include uncleaned or unrepaired stormwater drains, broken or outdated road signs, and faded road markings, among others.
Ward 132 councillor Annette Deppe expressed her frustration over the ongoing neglect, criticising JRA’s responses as insufficient. “I would like to express my gratitude for the ongoing efforts, but it is essential to address the numerous challenges we are currently facing with the JRA in our region,” she stated.
“While residents continue to pay their rates diligently, many have been waiting for over three months for essential repairs to dangerous potholes. Residents deserve safe, well-maintained roads, and it is disheartening that their needs seem to be overlooked. If I were to rate JRA on a scale of one to 10, I would give them a score of two.”
Deppe expressed concern that a decrease in JRA’s overall budget jeopardised essential services, noting that overgrown grass, poor road markings, and non-functional traffic lights further compromised safety and quality of life.
Mike Wigill, a resident of Glen Austin, voiced his frustration over the perceived neglect of roads such as Belvedere Road, which continues to deteriorate despite temporary repairs.
Also read: Belvedere potholes a danger to residents of Glen Austin
“I feel ignored and lied to,” said Wigill. “They [JRA] sent crews to Belvedere on two consecutive weekends to fill smaller potholes, but those are deteriorating quickly.
“There hasn’t been rain for some time, and the ground is drying up. They quickly fixed the large pothole at the intersection of R101 and George Road after an initial complaint, but it’s opening up again.”
Wigill also pointed out the crumbling road surface at the intersection of George and Austin roads, which has developed into a sizable pothole. “This is a major access route to the area, and the subsidence is so bad that it will eventually cause expensive damage to vehicles and possibly lead to an accident. You need a 4×4 [bakkie] to safely access Belvedere from Olifantsfontein (R562).”
John Mphatsoe, chairperson of the Glen Austin Residents Association, acknowledged the concerns about JRA’s maintenance of roads but also noted, “We have residents who operate large trucks for their businesses and are damaging the same roads.”
JRA responds to residents’ service concerns with ongoing repairs and improvements.
JRA spokesperson Mosa Makhalima acknowledged recent positive steps taken in Ward 132, confirming road repairs on Belvedere Road, the fixing of traffic signals, and the painting of road markings.
“The depot has engaged with the ward councillor for Glen Austin and residents regarding the ongoing surface water issue along the roadway,” said Makhalima.
“We have cleared the outlet drainage structures that were causing persistent wetness on the Belvedere road surface to restore proper stormwater discharge functionality. Once the pavement surface has adequately dried and conditions are suitable, we will proceed with the planned asphalt resurfacing and repair works.”
Read more: Glen Austin residents and Gara urges JRA and Rand Water to repair dilapidating roads
Additionally, JRA has conducted routine road maintenance in areas such as Country View and Vorna Valley, which includes patching work on Lever Road, and Jamie Uys and Anton Hartman streets.
Earlier this year, JRA entered into a Service Level Agreement with the Gauteng Provincial Department of Roads and Transport to enhance traffic signals across the region. Several traffic signals have already been repaired at key intersections, including the Allandale and Kynoch, N1 and Olifantsfontein, and Old Pretoria Main and Olifantsfontein intersections, among others.
Despite these efforts, residents remain hopeful that their concerns will be addressed with greater urgency as JRA continues its ongoing projects and repairs.
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