JRA maintenance of Eastbourne Road leaves residents dissatisfied

JRA maintenance deteriorating gravel Eastbourne Road.

October 20, 2024

Comfort Makhanya 2 minutes read

JRA maintain Eastbourne Road in Carlswald.

The Eastbourne Road community continues to engage with Johannesburg Road Agency (JRA) and other relevant entities to discuss access control measures and necessary upgrades for the deteriorating gravel road.

The project aims to address residents’ concerns about road conditions and safety and potential solutions to reduce the thoroughfare’s usability.

Eastbourne Road residents are concerned with the debris left by JRA after the road’s maintenance.

Khayalethu Gqibitole, head of JRA’s regional operations, previously stated that it is important for residents to formally request infrastructure upgrades during Integrated Development Plan (IDP) meetings.

He emphasised the agency has committed to ongoing maintenance of the road and has also pledged to implement measures to control dust, which is a significant concern for the local community.

Also read: JRA names a number of Midrand locations among flooding hotspots

As part of routine maintenance, JRA re-gravelled the road on October 13 to improve its condition for both vehicles and pedestrians. This included levelling the surface and repairing existing wear and tear.

While residents appreciate JRA’s efforts to grade the road, they have growing safety concerns following the re-gravelling. Many feel the road is now unsafe.

Residents say there is an unmaintained storm water drainage pipe which has left the channels blocked with debris and sand.

Resident Karen Kruger said, “We were informed that JRA would be here on Monday to complete the job, but no one showed up, leaving the road unsafe with debris and large rocks scattered around.”

Safety issues extend beyond inconvenience, with residents facing serious traffic hazards. Kruger added, “We urgently need to expedite the introduction of access security, not just for crime prevention but to address traffic issues. This week, we’ve had two near misses with speeding taxis. It seems JRA has inadvertently given these drivers more space to speed, which increases our risk for accidents.”

Blind curve on Eastbourne Road. Photos: Karen Kruger.

In response, Gqibitole acknowledged the concerns about debris left on the road and assured residents that JRA is dedicated to maintaining safety standards. “Our teams will return to clear any remaining debris and ensure the road is safe. We take these matters seriously and will assess whether further action is necessary.”

Gqibitole stressed the importance of maintaining Eastbourne Road to ensure public safety and enhance residents’ quality of life.

“Regular maintenance minimises wear and tear, reduces accidents, and keeps transportation efficient, supporting safe access for everyone and contributing to smoother traffic flow.”