City fights Cosmo City road damage

City of Johannesburg leaders have pledged to act against road damage and illegal infrastructure in Cosmo City, following an oversight visit last week. Executive Mayor Dada Morero, Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) CEO Zweli Nyathi, regional director Mlamleli Belot, and city officials inspected several problem areas in the community.
The visit formed part of the city’s: War on Potholes campaign, which aims to improve road conditions across Johannesburg, and the team took part in road repairs, pothole patching, resurfacing, painting road markings, and fixing damaged pavements.

Read more: Cosmo City potholes continue to terrorise residents

Nyathi said illegal water connections were one of the main causes of road erosion in Cosmo City. Wastewater from sewers, grey water, and runoff from car washes were worsening the damage. He called for stronger co-operation between city departments, adding that Johannesburg Water must act against illegal water use. “Car washes need to direct wastewater into proper drainage systems. We must also deal with the vandalism of stop signs and other road infrastructure.”

Morero said the behaviour of some residents was adding to the problem. “The damage we saw today is not only because of infrastructure failure, but also because of community actions. We must enforce by-laws and ensure compliance.”

The mayor confirmed plans to deploy the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) and by-law enforcement teams to the area.

He also noted that overcrowding was putting more strain on the area’s infrastructure. “Illegal structures have been built to house the growing population, many without following building regulations. This is a problem we must address.”

The city said it will continue working to restore infrastructure and improve living conditions in Cosmo City while ensuring that by-laws are respected.

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