Residents of Fairland Estate are growing increasingly anxious as the long-delayed gabion project continues to deteriorate, leaving homes and infrastructure exposed just as the peak rainy season heads their way.

Ward 98 councillor Beverley Jacobs visited the site on December 21, describing the situation as critical. The project, which began in July 2025 and was scheduled for completion by November, remains unfinished due to contractor delays and payment disputes between Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) and service providers. “In the private sector, this work would have taken three months. Instead, residents have been left with an unsafe construction site, eroding embankments, and no contractors on site because everyone is on holiday.”

Read more: Fairland Gabions project resumes after weeks of unexplained stoppage

According to Jacobs, erosion has now reached residential boundary lines, and it is only a matter of time before boundary walls collapse if urgent intervention does not take place. She has formally escalated the matter to the executive mayor, the city manager, Crum, and JRA, calling for emergency action and immediate site attendance. “This is not a theoretical risk anymore. The residents warned this would happen, and, unfortunately, their fears are now coming true.”

City manager Floyd Brink has since contacted JRA, instructing them to urgently engage with Jacobs and brief his office on the way forward.

Meanwhile, residents say the environmental and structural damage has gone far beyond what existed before construction began. The publication visited the site on December 22, engaging with residents about their thoughts regarding the project.

Fairland Estate resident Erika Joubert expressed deep concern about the long-term consequences. “Before the project, we had one collapsed gabion in the river. Now we have widespread destruction of infrastructure and serious damage to the natural environment. I honestly feel we are much worse off than before.”

Also read: Ward 87 councillor warns roads could flood without immediate drain maintenance

Joubert warned that the timing could not be worse. Based on her experience, Fairland typically experiences its heaviest rainfall between February and March. “This project should have been finished by October or November. It’s almost certain it won’t be done by February, and that’s when we’re really in trouble.”

She explained that the danger lies not only in heavy storms, but in prolonged rainfall. “When the rain is continuous over a week or two, water collects from different areas, and the spruit turns into a raging river. If normal rainfall happens, we have problems. If it’s above normal, we’re in serious trouble.”

Residents also raised concerns about debris and construction materials left in the river, which are disrupting water flow and directing it straight into vulnerable embankments.

Joubert believes immediate temporary measures could reduce the risk. “The gabions need to be filled so that backfilling can protect the exposed embankment, and the river flow must be redirected away from it.”

Two JRA officials reportedly visited the site, stating that they will escalate the matter and see what they can do, but with officials now on leave and contractors absent, residents fear they are being left alone to face a potentially dangerous situation.

Jacobs has pledged to continue escalating the matter and to keep residents informed. “I will not let this go. This is about people’s homes, safety, and accountability.”

The publication sent a media query to JRA regarding the situation on the Fairland gabion project. Their response will be updated once made available.

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