Laezonia residents frustrated with state of roads despite metro’s rehabilitation efforts

Despite recent efforts by the metro to level and rehabilitate roads in Laezonia that were damaged by heavy rainfall and excessive water saturation, residents believe that the situation remains dire.

One of the residents, Elke Haas stated that the gravel roads in the area have only been graded once this year.

“The heavy rain has rendered most of the roads utterly inaccessible, forcing residents to attempt to fix them as best as they can because cars get stuck daily and need to be towed out,” she said.

Haas noted that residents are yet to receive assistance from the metro regarding a long-term solution.

“Our roads need to be built up; the indiscriminate grading has exposed and cut underground cables and worsened the conditions, as it does not follow water run-offs and attempts to direct water uphill.”

She added that the grading has resulted in a flat, not slanted, surface that encourages water to stand instead of flow, further degrading the roads.

Another resident, Liz Pattison recalled a time when she could not drive safely in the area for weeks.

“The road is passable right now, but it’s deteriorating rapidly,” she said.

She also mentioned that a security officer patrolling an Eskom servitude in the area could not access the entrance because it was flooded.

“It’s very concerning that security officers can’t even do their jobs due to the poor condition of the roads, which often become flooded,” she stated.

Annelicia Goss expressed her discontent, stating that the roads are not drivable.

“There is constant sliding and risk of getting stuck when driving on the road.

Residents are now dumping garden refuse on the roads, making it much more dangerous to drive [on]. There are also major security risks if something were to happen at night,” she warned.

Goss called for a permanent solution, suggesting that the roads need to be tarred, similar to those in nearby Mnandi and Gerhardsville.

“Just scraping no longer works. Not everyone can afford a large vehicle to get in and out of Laezonia.”

Residents’ complaints surfaced following recent efforts by the metro to address the deteriorating road conditions in Laezonia.

The Chairperson of Environment and Agriculture Management, Hluphi Gafane recently announced that unpredictable and extreme weather conditions have severely impacted communities in Tshwane.

“The relentless heavy rainfall has led to widespread damage to infrastructure and environmental challenges that require immediate attention,” said Gafane.

She noted that Laezonia is one of the areas that has suffered significant road damage due to excessive water saturation.

She mentioned that a recent complaint from a resident who reached out to her office for assistance prompted a visit to the area, which highlighted the urgent need for intervention.

“With the support of MMC Kholofelo Morodi, a dedicated team was mobilised to assess the damage.”

She said during an on-site visit, the necessity for immediate action became clear, and the initial estimated turnaround time for repairs was set at two weeks.

“However, due to the urgency of the matter, the response time was significantly reduced, and within just three days, the team returned to Laezonia to level and rehabilitate the affected roads,” she added.

Gafane expressed her appreciation for the collaborative efforts of those involved in the intervention.

“I extend my deepest appreciation to the Region 4 Roads Department for their swift response and dedication to service delivery.

Their efficiency and commitment exemplify the positive impact that can be achieved when government and communities work together toward a common goal.”

She also acknowledged the proactive approach of Laezonia’s residents in reporting service delivery concerns and their patience as challenges arose from extreme weather conditions.

Gafane emphasised that the success of this intervention serves as a testament to the power of community engagement and the importance of fostering strong partnerships between residents and municipal authorities.

She urged all residents to remain vigilant and actively participate in preserving the metro’s infrastructure.

“By working together, we can create sustainable and resilient communities that can withstand future challenges,” she added.

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