The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) intensified efforts to improve ageing infrastructure when Operation Restore rolled into Newlands, Ward 82, on July 14, bringing together teams from across the city to repair roads, clear stormwater drains and address long-standing maintenance issues.

The concentrated service delivery initiative saw crews repairing potholes, clearing blocked kerb inlets and stormwater drains, and carrying out general road maintenance aimed at improving infrastructure before the next rainy season.

Read more: MMC Kenny Kunene backs bigger JRA workforce to tackle Johannesburgs ageing roads across Region B

MMC for roads and transport Kenny Kunene said the programme pools resources from different regions to maximise the amount of work completed in a single area.

“We take teams from other regions and bring them together so that when we leave an area, residents can see visible work has been done. It’s still not enough, but we have seen a lot of progress and success.”

Kunene said one of the biggest challenges facing JRA is limited funding, which has reduced the agency’s ability to carry out preventative maintenance.

He added that while JRA teams once consisted of between 18 and 25 workers, many now operate with six or fewer members, forcing the agency to respond to emergencies rather than maintain infrastructure before problems develop. According to Kunene, ageing infrastructure in Region B, combined with blocked stormwater systems, continues to worsen road conditions.

“Communities dump rubbish into stormwater drains and some even direct sewage into them. When the drains are blocked during the rainy season, water remains on the roads instead of flowing underground, damaging the road surface and creating potholes.”

Also read: JRA barricades Hofmeyer Road section while stream blockage plans finalised

Kunene said the agency recommissioned its asphalt plant in 2023 after it had stood idle for years, but further investment is needed before it can operate at full capacity and generate revenue to expand JRA’s workforce. He believes strengthening the agency’s maintenance teams would allow JRA to move away from reactive repairs and return to regular infrastructure maintenance across the city.

Ward 82 councillor Marilyne Smouse highlighted that she needs residents to help look after their roads by logging calls about blocked stormwater drains before they contribute to road deterioration and potholes. Smouse acknowledged growing frustration among residents over slow service delivery but said rebuilding public trust would require visible action rather than promises.

Smouse added that her commitment remains the same: to be visible, accessible and relentless in fighting for her ward. “I will push for faster service delivery, demand accountability from the city and ensure residents are kept informed every step of the way. When there are problems, I won’t disappear. I will be there, following up, escalating issues and standing with our community until they are resolved.”

For now, Operation Restore remains one of the City’s key interventions, bringing together resources to deliver visible improvements while addressing some of Johannesburg’s most pressing road and stormwater maintenance challenges.

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