What began as an effort to stabilise erosion-prone areas in Fairland has slowed to a halt after payment delays, disputed invoices and a breakdown in communication between project partners. Johannesburg Road Agency’s (JRA) Fairland Gabion project was designed to stabilise riverbanks and prevent erosion along the Fairland stream.

Gabion Baskets, the subcontractor responsible for installing the gabion structures, began work on 10 June 2025 with the understanding that payments for labour and progress would be made every two weeks. Payments were delayed at least three times, which led them to withdraw from the site around July 3 2025. They continued to check the site weekly from July to August.

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“No weather-related restrictions were preventing us from continuing,” said Clinton Cheyne, general manager at Gabion Baskets. “We were still promised payment, but were later advised to stop work and include more local SMMEs, even though we already had local labour on site.”

According to Cheyne, they were told by JMS Projects that the JRA had not released payment due to what JMS described as ‘an overstated invoice’. Gabion Baskets has still not been paid for completed labour. Attempts to reach the director of JMS Projects through calls and messages have gone unanswered.

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Cheyne added that the situation echoes concerns raised in other regions, such as the M13 off-ramp in Westville, where gabion failures were attributed to poor filling, low-quality mesh and inadequate drainage. “Experts warn that without proper construction and maintenance, gabion structures can deteriorate rapidly, leading to erosion and structural instability.

Among the recommendations now on the table: swift resolution of outstanding invoices; the appointment of a neutral mediator; transparent engagement between contractors and authorities; a full site and financial audit; and immediate compensation for labourers who completed their work in good faith.

The publication sent JRA questions for official comment on the payment delays; their response will be updated once received.

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