After years of frustration and unanswered complaints, residents of Robindale joined forces with AfriForum Johannesburg North on the morning of June 13 to repair a deep trench on Mulbarton Road, which had become a symbol of municipal neglect.

Read more: JRA finally patches Bend Street reinstatement

Dean James, a resident and member of AfriForum, explained that approximately three years ago, the trench was dug, and the people who dug it attempted to close it but failed. “Here we are three years later, after numerous residents burst their tyres going over it. In the evenings, the lights are off, which compounds the fact that there’s a trench there. We, as Afriforum, decided to get together and make this a whole community event.”

The trench continued to deteriorate despite numerous reports and requests for intervention. The dangerous section of road posed a growing threat to motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians, yet repeated attempts to have the issue addressed were met with little or no response. “Our main objective here was to meet the neighbours and to show that Afriforum is not a political party. We are here to help grow the community and fix what’s been broken for so many years.”

Tired of waiting for action, the community decided to take matters into their own hands. In the early morning hours, residents, alongside AfriForum volunteers, were armed with tools, gravel, and the same goal: To tackle the problem themselves.

Also read: JRA implements a R15m resurfacing project

Working together, they filled and levelled the trench, improving safety and restoring access along the affected section of Mulbarton Road.

Some of the neighbours supplied refreshments and helped co-ordinate the work. The project was more than just a road repair; James said it was a statement that communities cannot continue to wait indefinitely while basic infrastructure deteriorates.

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