I have noted, with little relief, that some of the potholes around Midrand are being filled up by residents with sand, while some are patched up by the Johannesburg Roads Agency. I guess, as residents, we should be happy that some potholes on roads, notably parts of Lever Road, 14th Road and Old Pretoria Road, are slowly being filled up. It must bring a little relief to know that we will not drive over gaping holes and be surprised by potholes in rainy weather, but this is not enough.
What is the road agency’s long-term plan about fixing roads? Some of the sand used to fill up potholes spills over to the roads and we drive over it. Will the roads agency wait until some of the roads give way before they fix them? I am fortunate that I work five minutes from my house; I am saved the long potholed drive to work, unlike many Midrand residents. I have never paid so much attention on the road while driving – not because of road rules, but for fear of driving into a huge pothole and getting stuck there.
As elections come up, it will be interesting to hear what the smooth-talking politicians will say about the state of our roads. The promises made will, of course, be never seen to the end.
