Fears rise of contractor abandoning Fairland gabions project altogether
Fairland Estate residents say they feel abandoned after the contractor exited the delayed gabions project, leaving behind unfinished excavations, environmental damage, and growing safety concerns amid allegations of non-payment.
Nearly 11 months after construction began, the Johannesburg Roads Agency’s (JRA) Fairland gabions project remains incomplete, leaving behind exposed excavations, unstable ground, and mounting frustration.
The project, undertaken by JMS Projects, was initially launched in June last year, and scheduled for completion within five months, however residents now question whether it will meet its revised May 15 deadline.
Ward 98 councillor Beverley Jacobs stated that she had received written confirmation from JRA project manager stating that the contractors and consultants have not been paid for approximately 120 days dating back December 2025. “How can the city claim to be financially stable while contractors responsible for critical infrastructure projects go unpaid for four months.”
Jacobs said that the matter cannot be seperated from the broader financial concerns already raised at national level. “Residents are now seeing the real-world consequences of those warnings. Residents are tired of political spin while properties are on the verge of literally crumbling.”
Fairland Estate resident Arlene Mania said construction disruptions linked to payment disputes had become a recurring pattern throughout the project. “Basically, at the end of every month, we have two weeks of no work because people haven’t been paid. Every time it rains, I worry that more of my garden, and even my front wall, could collapse.”
She questioned the planning and execution of the project, saying there appeared to be little consistency between delays attributed to weather and actual activity on site. “They keep saying they can’t work when it rains, but when the sun shines there are no workers either.”
Also read: Ward 98 councillor slams Fairland gabions project crisis
Beyond safety concerns, Mania said the prolonged disruption has significantly altered the surrounding environment and damaged the natural character of the area. “Now, all the trees have been chopped down, the landscape is scarred, and, instead of looking onto a park, we now look at piles of sticky sand and rubble. We have been repeatedly assured the area would eventually be rehabilitated with grass and trees, but many no longer believe those commitments will be fulfilled.”
Jacobs assured that she will continue to fight for completion of this critical project on behalf of the residents.
JRA was contacted for comment regarding the latest developments and the contractor’s reported withdrawal from the site. The publication also approached the City of Johannesburg group finance department regarding concerns around alleged payment delays and procurement inefficiencies. Responses will be included once received.
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