Maple Drive stormwater repair delays spark backlash from ward councillor
Concerns are mounting over an unfinished stormwater repair on Maple Drive, with the ward councillor questioning why promised fixes are not visible.
Ward 132 councillor Annette Deppe has raised concerns over delays in repairing a stormwater drain on Maple Drive, following promises of urgent intervention by the City of Johannesburg’s MMC for Transport, Kenny Kunene.
Deppe said she is disappointed with how the Johannesburg Roads Agency is handling the matter, saying that the agency committed to removing a tree stump that was previously there and repositioning the stormwater inlet to allow proper water flow, but has yet to complete the work.
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According to Deppe, JRA workers visited the site on June 22 and opened up the stormwater drain, indicating that work would resume on June 23. However, by June 26, the site remained unattended and unfinished.
She said it was concerning that promises of immediate action had not turned into visible progress.
“When I saw Kenny Kunene on Wednesday at the Johannesburg City Council, I asked him when his team would return. He told me, ‘Sorry councillor, we haven’t paid the diesel bill for the fleet yet,’” said Deppe.
Deppe also highlighted that passing residents have begun throwing litter into the exposed excavation, further making the situation worse.
In addition to the environmental concerns, she warned that the open hole poses a serious safety risk to motorists using Maple Drive.
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“Residents are forced to drive around a very dangerous hole in the road.
“This is a busy road, and the unfinished excavation could lead to accidents. The JRA needs to complete the repairs as soon as possible,” added Deppe.
The Midrand Reporter contacted Johannesburg Roads Agency spokesperson Mosa Makhalima on July 1 for comment.
Makhalima confirmed receipt of the enquiry and said they will respond. We will provide an update once the response has been made available.
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