Mayibuye community leader Thapelo Nkoane has called on the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) to appoint a new contractor to resume and complete the rehabilitation and upgrading of gravel roads and associated stormwater infrastructure in Mayibuye.

The call follows the alleged abandonment of the Phase 3B project on Sinamurula Street, where roadworks have reportedly stalled, leaving the street closed for several months with no work.

Nkoane said residents wanted JRA to ensure that the project resumed, with the appointment of a contractor conducted through an open and transparent process.

He also urged the agency to appoint a contractor with the financial resources, equipment and capacity to complete the work without further delays.

Read more: JRA tackles potholes after months of complaints

“Moreover, JRA should appoint a resourceful contractor with sufficient capacity to start and complete the work because part of the reason why the appointed contractor abandoned the site was due to their lack of financial capacity to progress with their work,” claimed Nkoane.

Road deterioration and stormwater issues

According to Nkoane, Sinamurula Street was previously tarred but had deteriorated over time, developing potholes and lacking adequate stormwater drainage infrastructure. During rainfall, water would accumulate on the road, gradually eroding the surface and creating hazardous conditions for motorists and pedestrians.

“Because the street didn’t have a working drainage system, there wasn’t a free flow of rainwater. As a result, water would remain stagnant until it eroded the road, thus blocking access to the street,” he explained.

Impact on traffic and emergency services

The prolonged closure has also affected traffic movement in the township, where residents rely on a limited road network to reach their destinations. “Since our township is a close-knit community with a single main road, the community experiences a problem of traffic jams because Sinamurula Street was not in a proper condition to be utilised as an alternative road,” said Nkoane.

He added that the condition of the road had raised concerns about access for emergency services, particularly when ambulances and police vehicles needed to reach residents. “The roads become inaccessible, especially for emergency services, therefore ambulances and police vehicles failed to deliver service.”

Also read: JRA maintenance of Eastbourne Road leaves residents dissatisfied

Nkoane said completing the road rehabilitation and stormwater infrastructure would improve mobility, road safety and the overall quality of life for Mayibuye residents. He highlighted the importance of properly maintained roads for commuters travelling to work and school, as well as for emergency vehicles responding to incidents in the area.

“Having resurfaced roads helps in terms of transport reliability for public usage, especially for people who are going to work and school. It also assists in the growth and development of the township or community in a sense that properties or individual households gain value,” said Nkoane.

Nkoane added that improved road infrastructure, proper drainage and road signage could help create a safer environment and reduce the risk of accidents.

Residents are now looking to the JRA to address the stalled project and ensure that the remaining work is completed.

Midrand Reporter sent enquiries to JRA regarding the project on October 29. The agency’s response on the status of the Phase 3B project will be included once received.

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