Following concerns raised by residents and Ward 104 councillor Emi Koekemoer, Johannesburg Road Agency (JRA) confirmed they have cleared the temporary campsite, as well as leftover rocks from the Gertrude Bridge project.

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JRA head of infrastructure development Kwazelela Mcetywa explained that the implementation of construction projects includes a campsite establishment, where the appointed contractor is based for the duration of the project. The temporary site is also used for the storage of materials, workers’ changing rooms, eating areas, and for on-site meetings relating to the project. It is a temporary work set-up for the abovementioned purposes and has now been removed.

He further stated that the campsite establishment is also part of the requirements for the contractor. It forms part of the project scope, as does the removal of the site materials at the project location at the completion of the project. “The construction work on site is at 99% completion. The campsite was cleared, with storm water pipes and rocks that were left also removed on April 16 and 17.”

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The project was intended to reinforce a riverbank property, with the contractor placing structures and materials into the riverbed. After the project was complete, the contractor left the campsite uncleared, which was then taken over by displaced people.

Koekemoer confirmed that the work was completed in December 2025, but the campsite remained. “It is basically an invitation for displaced people. There are Wendy houses up, so it’s easy for them to just stay there.”

Although the site is now cleared, resident Priscilla Cillie said it was left dirty. “It took them four months to clear the campsite, but they left it dirty.” She added that Beagle Watch will now cut the bush every two to three weeks.

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