A massive trench on Republic Road, known by locals as the Republic Mess, has now remained open for a full year, with no clear sign of when it will be repaired.
The hole, which lies at the entrance to Ferndale on Republic Shopping Centre, was dug by Johannesburg Water (JW) on July 19, 2024, to fix a water leak. Since then, the site has not been backfilled.

Read more: Car crashes into Ferndale on Republic hole

According to officials, the delay is due to damage to a storm water pipe during the excavation, which must be repaired first. Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) acknowledged the issue in September 2024, with Khaya Gqibitole, head of regional operations, confirming that a delegation from JRA and JW met on September 6, 2024, to discuss resolutions regarding the reinstatement of the damaged storm water pipe and the damaged road section.

Ward 102 councillor Lucinda Harman, speaking at the birthday celebration of the hole on July 19, described the situation as a: “Disgraceful canyon,” that has caused major losses for nearby businesses, including the Mercure Hotel. “Guests don’t want to stay there. It’s an eyesore and a hazard.”

Harman said JRA and JW have been passing the buck for months. “They come, they look, and they leave,” she added.

@caxtonjoburgnorth Ward 102 councillor Lucinda Harman addresses the situation at the hole outside Ferndale on Republic Shopping Centre. #ward102 ♬ original sound Caxton Joburg North

The hole has also created a traffic bottleneck. Vehicles turning into the shopping centre are forced to detour, slowing down traffic and increasing the risk of accidents. Last week, a motorist, trying to avoid a pedestrian, ended up in the ditch.

“This is just one of thousands of holes across Randburg. Our roads are in crisis,” Harman said. “It’s time for action.”

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