Motorists in President Park will have to continue navigating the deteriorating State Road, with the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) confirming there is currently no budget to upgrade the gravel road to tar.

The agency stated that there are no immediate plans to upgrade the road, with the project remaining dependent on future funding allocations.

Read more: JRA delivers on State Road promise, but long-term solution still awaited

The response follows questions from the Midrand Reporter on whether the long-standing gravel road would finally be tarred after years of complaints from residents.

The inquiry comes after the JRA recently carried out maintenance work on State Road in response to repeated concerns over its deteriorating condition.

Midrand Reporter has consistently reported on the road’s poor state, particularly during the rainy season when flooding, mud and deep potholes often make it difficult, and at times nearly impossible, for motorists to use safely.

In late March, the publication again highlighted the condition of State Road, where potholes, flowing water and severely uneven surfaces left motorists and residents battling to travel through the area.

Also read: Councillor urges JRA to complete repairs on Maple Drive in Northwold

JRA head of infrastructure development, Kwazelela Mcetywa, said, “State Road is not part of the current projects being implemented by the JRA.

“Furthermore, the budget has been drastically reduced on the gravel roads programme. The intention is to utilise the available budget to complete the works currently in construction.

State Road can be considered in the next financial year, provided budget is made available.”

For now, residents and motorists in President Park will have to rely on periodic maintenance while awaiting funding that could see State Road finally upgraded in a future financial year.

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