Fairland gabions project stalls repeatedly, pushing completion far beyond the intended deadline
What was meant to be a short-term riverbank protection project at Fairland Estate has been repeatedly interrupted by delays and stop-start work, pushing completion far past its original deadline and leaving residents increasingly exposed during the rainy season.
The Fairland Estate gabions project, intended to protect homes from riverbank erosion and flooding, has faced repeated delays, leaving residents frustrated and increasingly concerned about the prolonged timeline and lack of progress.
Launched in July 2025 by the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA), the R15.17m project was originally scheduled to take five months and be completed ahead of the peak rainy season. However, construction has stalled multiple times in September and December 2025, stretching the project far beyond its intended timeframe and raising questions among residents about why it has not yet been completed.
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Ward 98 councillor Beverley Jacobs raised urgent concerns, which have been subjected to repeated work stoppages throughout their duration and have come to a complete standstill for three weeks from late March through the Easter break. The project was initially due for completion in November 2025, but as of April 13, it remains unfinished. Residents said the situation has worsened due to extended periods where no contractors were visible on site.
Although contractors from JMS Projects have now returned to the site, residents report only limited activity, with a small number of workers currently present.
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More work needs to be done with final drainage installation, ArmorFlex placement, and landscaping. Residents still remain on edge and are waiting in anticipation for the project’s completion. Previous reports in the Northcliff Melville Times stated that the alleged lack of payments to the contractor by JRA was an issue in the past; the publication will seek further clarification if this is the same situation.
JRA acknowledged the publication’s media query on April 13, requesting official comment on its delay and timelines of completion, to which they replied: “We will engage the project manager for Region C and revert.”
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