Eight months after construction began, the Mayibuye gravel road rehabilitation and upgrading project – phase 3B remains stalled at just 25% completion, with residents still waiting for promised road upgrades.

The R15m project, which started on March 23, has had no construction activity since the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) terminated its contract with the appointed contractor in September.

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The development follows concerns raised by Mayibuye community leader Tapelo Nkoane and community members, who have called on the agency to appoint a replacement contractor, alleging that the previous contractor abandoned the project.

In response to questions from Midrand Reporter, JRA head of infrastructure development Kwazelela Mcetywa confirmed that the contract had been terminated following due contractual processes.

“JRA is closing out the project in order to commence with the procurement of a replacement contractor to complete the works,” said Mcetywa.

He confirmed that construction had reached only 25% completion at the time of termination and was behind schedule. “Hence, there are no current construction activities on site,” he said.

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Mcetywa said the agency was finalising outstanding contractual and administrative processes linked to the terminated contract to enable the procurement of a replacement contractor. “The project remains a priority to JRA, particularly in relation to the safety of the residents.”

He confirmed that the project has an allocated budget of R15m for the 2026/27 financial year. The planned upgrades cover approximately 1.185km across three streets, with the aim of converting the existing gravel roads into surfaced tarred roads.

According to Mcetywa, the scope of work includes installing underground concrete storm water pipes, kerb inlets, storm water manholes and other drainage infrastructure to improve storm water management.

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The upgrades also include milling the existing asphalt layer along Senamorula and Bulelwa Makomane streets, installing mountable kerbs, constructing block-paved sidewalks, erecting road signs and installing speed humps.

Other construction activities include building pioneer layers for underground water infrastructure, layerworks and asphalt surfacing. Mcetywa said the improvements were intended to enhance road geometry, improve traffic flow and provide safer conditions for motorists and pedestrians.

The new storm water drainage system will include appropriately sized portal concrete pipe culverts to improve water drainage and prevent flooding and water ponding.

The project was expected to create employment and business opportunities for local residents. Mcetywa confirmed that 16 work opportunities had been created by the time the contract was terminated, against a target of 45 local labourers for the duration of the project.

In addition, nine small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) were earmarked to benefit through civil works subcontracting, with four already appointed before the contract was terminated.

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