Potholes, cracked surfaces and deteriorating infrastructure along major routes such as the R559 and Main Reef Road are frustrating motorists and prompting residents to call for urgent intervention from the Rand West City Local Municipality.

Residents say road conditions across several areas have worsened rapidly, with some even attempting to fill potholes themselves due to a lack of lasting repairs. Motorists describe the roads as hazardous, especially at night and during rainy weather when potholes are difficult to see.

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Community members blame heavy-duty trucks for much of the damage, saying they frequently use residential streets in areas such as Finsbury, Helikon Park and Aureus to avoid congestion on main routes, placing additional strain on already weakened roads.

Residents in these areas say the situation has made driving dangerous, with some roads reportedly forcing motorists to drive on sidewalks or avoid sections entirely.

MMC for Roads and Transport Bruce Nimmerhoudt acknowledged the concerns and said several repair projects are underway.

He confirmed work has been completed on roads including 12th Street, Morgan Road, Darter Road, Amandel Road and Homestead Avenue, with additional repairs done in Bekkersdal, Helikon Park and parts of the R559.

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He added that further work in Toekomsrus and Mohlakeng is planned in the coming weeks, while residents continue to call for longer-term solutions to prevent further road damage.

Read a more in-depth story in next week’s edition dated June 5.