Councillor urges JRA to complete repairs on Maple Drive in Northwold
Councillor Anette Deppe raises frustrations and concerns as excavation on Maple Drive continues to disrupt traffic.
Ward 132 councillor Annette Deppe is calling on Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) to urgently complete repairs to a damaged storm water drain on Maple Drive, saying prolonged delays are putting motorists at risk and frustrating residents.
The repair work follows an undertaking by the City of Johannesburg’s MMC for Transport, Kenny Kunene, that the drainage problem would be addressed.
Read more: Maple Drive stormwater repair delays spark backlash from ward councillor
However, Deppe says little progress has been made since work first started.
According to Deppe, JRA teams visited the site on June 22 to open the storm water drain, and informed her that they would return the following day to continue with the repairs, but when she inspected the area again on June 26, she found the work had not resumed.
She said the agency had undertaken to remove a tree stump obstructing the drainage system and relocate the storm water inlet to improve water flow, but the project remains incomplete.
Deppe said she raised the matter directly with Kunene during a Johannesburg City Council meeting to find out why repairs had come to a standstill.
“I asked him when his team would be returning to Maple Drive, and he apologised, saying they had not yet paid the diesel bill for the fleet.”
Also read: JRA tackles potholes after months of complaints
The councillor added that the unfinished excavation has become a environmental problem, as people throw litter into the exposed area, further complicating the situation. .
She also expressed concern about the danger the open excavation poses to road users. “People who drive here are forced to swerve around a large hole in the road.
Maple Drive carries a high volume of traffic, and leaving the site unfinished increases the risk of an accident. The repairs need to be completed as soon as possible.”
The Midrand Reporter requested comment from JRA spokesperson Mosa Makhalima on July 1, 6, and 7.
Makhalima confirmed that the enquiry had been received and said a response would be provided. An update will be provided once the agency’s comment has been received.
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