Midrand residents battle hazardous roads

Midrand’s road network is deteriorating faster than it can be repaired, and residents of Ward 132 are demanding urgent intervention as potholes continue to deepen and multiply.

The rapid decline has sparked widespread frustration, with residents calling on city officials to address what they describe as a long-overdue backlog in road resurfacing and reinstatements.

Read more: City delivers road upgrades in Rabie Ridge following community requests

Ward 132 councillor Annette Deppe said the situation had escalated to a level that could no longer be ignored.

“The lack of progress in repairing potholes, resurfacing, and reinstatements is directly attributable to the failure to allocate necessary funds to our ward,” said Deppe. “This situation has reached a critical point, as the current administration continues to fall short in addressing these fundamental needs.”

Deppe alleged that the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) had overspent this quarter by an alarming R100m and had already dipped into the next quarter’s budget by the same amount, a move she said reflected a troubling trend.

“This pattern of fiscal mismanagement is untenable,” she said. “We urge the relevant authorities to prioritise transparency and accountability in managing our community’s resources.”

Also read: Councillor Annette Deppe condemns taxi harassment on Midrand roads

She emphasised that decisive action was urgently required to address the backlog of road repairs and ensure that Ward 132 received the funding it desperately needed.

“Our community is entitled to safe and well-maintained roads, and we will continue to advocate for the necessary changes to achieve this goal.”

The Midrand Reporter contacted JRA and provided reference numbers to ask when some of the reported potholes in the ward will be attended to.

Their response was not received by the time of publication despite follow-ups.

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