The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) revealed that Region A, Ward 132, was currently not included in its R2.8b capital investment plan for the next three years, aimed at upgrading the city’s critical infrastructure.

Ward 132 councillor Annette Deppe had requested that her ward be included in the city’s major investment initiative.

She highlighted that while significant funds have been allocated to areas such as Mayibuye, Ivory Park, and Kaalfontein — targeting gravel roads, stormwater management, and road network upgrades — her ward remains absent from these development efforts.

Also read: Councillor asks for Ward 132’s portion of JRA investment

“We recognise the challenges in addressing Johannesburg’s massive infrastructure backlog, but leaving out entire communities is not the solution,” Deppe previously explained. “I urge the JRA and city officials to reconsider the allocation strategy to incorporate the needs of Ward 132 and ensure equitable development across all areas.”

In response, JRA’s head of infrastructure development, Kwazelela Mcetywa, stated that the agency’s three-year capital budget of R2.8b is insufficient to accommodate all wards within Johannesburg. “Unfortunately, some wards will have to be omitted due to the budget limitation,” said Mcetywa.

Regarding the inclusion of Mayibuye, Ivory Park, and Kaalfontein, Mcetywa explained that these projects have received dedicated (ring-fenced) funding from the city. “The remainder of the city-wide budget is committed to projects where construction has already begun or where designs have been completed.”

Also read: Midrand Region A residents urge action from JRA amid ongoing services challenges

Mcetywa added that in the previous financial years of 2020/21 and 2021/22, the JRA undertook a two-phased Vorna Valley river hydraulics management project in Ward 132.

“The designs for the third phase [were] completed in 2024/25; however, there is no budget available for implementation in 2025/26,” he explained.

“There is an indicative budget available for 2026/27. While the approval is not guaranteed, JRA will request a budget at mid-term adjustment in February 2026 so that project implementation can start in the fourth quarter of the current financial year, 2025/26, and spill over into the following financial period.”

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Additionally, Mcetywa noted that R5m from the 2024/25 financial period has already been spent on resurfacing roads in Region A, specifically in Ward 132 Kyalami Estates.