Repair work begins for ‘Kenny’s Canyon’ on Republic Road
After a year, Joburg Roads Agency has begun repairs of stormwater drains outside Ferndale on Republic.
Joburg Roads Agency has begun the process of repairing the stormwater drains at the massive trench on Republic Road known to community members as Kenny’s Canyon that has remained excavated for a 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.
According to officials, the delay was due to damage to a stormwater pipe during the excavation, which needed to be repaired first by JRA. The delegations from both entities met on September 6, 2024, to discuss resolutions regarding the reinstatement of the damaged stormwater pipe and the damaged road section.
Only now, contractors have been seen on site and have started the work. The entrance road is closed off, and they have installed new barricades around the site.
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Ward 102 councillor Lucinda Harman confirmed that the project will take up to two months to finish. “The infrastructure first has to be sorted out before they can backfill. It’s a two-month process. They’ve got a contractor team on site. It has taken a year for JRA and JW to take notice and do their job, and we wonder why.”
The Mercure Hotel is among several businesses that have been impacted. Rubble from the excavation has piled next to their fence, and their garden was destroyed.
Hotel general manager Prisca Hlatshwayo shared how they are affected:
• Reduced walk-in traffic due to limited access
• Increased guest complaints and cancellations from safety concerns
• Damage to the hotel’s brand image caused by unappealing surroundings
• Marketing efforts are hindered by the neglected environment
“Our occupancy levels and revenue performance have been consistently below forecast during this period. We remain hopeful that the municipality will urgently complete the repairs, not only for the sake of the hotel but for the overall image and safety of Randburg as a commercial and hospitality hub,” said Hlatshwayo.
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