Drysdale Road in Sundowner in a verge of collapse after flooding
Ward 134 councillor Devon Steenkamp is calling on JRA to fix Drysdale Road in Sundowner, which is serious need of special attention following the recent flooding.
Drysdale Road in Sundowner was left in dire condition following the recent severe floods that affected some part of Johannesburg North suburbs.
The floods pushed a fence on the side of the road and opened a hole that poses serious danger to road users. It is a serious safety hazard, particularly because of the blind corner where the damage is located. After weeks nothing has been done by Johannesburg Road Agency (JRA) to fix the damages.
Read more: Residents blame erosion protection project on Gertrude Bridge for severe floods
Ward 134 councillor Devon Steenkamp explained that at night, or in poor visibility, this section becomes extremely dangerous. “We’ve already had several accidents in the area, and with more severe rains, there’s a very real risk that the road could be completely washed away. The city shouldn’t wait for disaster to strike before it acts.”
He confirmed that JRA has acknowledged the issue and indicated that the matter has been referred to their planning department. However, they’ve only scheduled an inspection for the second week of April. “Given the state of the road, I believe this timeline reflects a lack of urgency for what is a clear safety risk. The condition of Drysdale Road reflects poor planning and a severe lack of maintenance, particularly of storm water infrastructure. What we’re seeing now is the result of years of underinvestment in our roads, and it’s not unique to this site.”
Also read: Community unites for post-flood clean-up in Juweel Park
Steenkamp added that across the ward, and the whole of Randburg, potholes, flooding, and crumbling roads are becoming the norm, because of blocked or non-existent storm water drains. “This situation on Drysdale Road demands more than a patch-up. The city needs to urgently assess the structural integrity of the road and invest in proper storm water management systems. There must be a dedicated capital budget for infrastructure upgrades in the ward. Quick responses and long-term planning need to go hand in hand if we are to avoid further collapse.”
The ward councillor said that he wants JRA and the City of Johannesburg to prioritise this issue with urgency. “We cannot afford another five years of delays or bureaucratic backlogs. The community deserves roads that are safe and reliable, not roads that collapse before their eyes. Preventative maintenance must be the rule, not the exception.”
JRA was sent questions about the issue on March 26, but had not replied by the time of print. However, their comment will be published once made available.
Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We’d love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts!
Related article: WATCH: Severe flooding after record rainfall in Randburg
