Johannesburg Road Agency (JRA) has confirmed that they are aware of the state of Valley Road in North Riding, and has assessed the area.

Read more: Trench across road in Cresta is an accident waiting to happen

The gravel road is in a bad state and unsafe for residents who drive on it daily. The sides of the road have a massive, waterway trench caused by the constant flow of water. The road has also seen an increase in water leaks and has had sewer issues.

The road condition worsens during the rainy season, and Ward 134 councillor Devon Steenkamp hopes that the entity takes some sort of proactive preventative measures, to keep water away from the middle of the road. “At least the rains have slowed down, and it’s a little bit more drivable. What I’m most concerned about is the next rainy season. We’re going to have problems if nothing is done.”

Steenkamp will conduct a walkabout with different city departments, including Johannesburg Water, for the two water leaks on the side of the road, and City Power for the streetlights, which will help improve visibility.

JRA head of regional operations Khaya Gqibitole explained that the road will be attended to before the rainy season, and is scheduled for grading within August. “It will be graded as part of our wider road grading programme.” Road grading is a process of shaping and levelling the ground beneath a road surface, to create a stable and properly drained base.

Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!