Tshwane acknowledges road issues in Laezonia, outlines interventions

The Tshwane metro has confirmed that it is aware of the deteriorating gravel roads in Laezonia and has provided an update on its interventions.

This comes after continued complaints from residents about safety risks, vehicle damage, and poor access.

According to spokesperson Lindela Mashigo, the metro conducted its most recent site inspection on May 5 to assess the current state of the roads.

He said the metro is in the process of obtaining a quotation for grading equipment, after which work will commence once all procedural requirements are completed.

“Maintenance priority is always given to main access and residential roads,” said Mashigo.

He explained that while full repairs had not yet started, the metro had already carried out some work in the area.

“Roads including Rudie, Baart and Pretorius were last repaired in the first week of April.”

The metro also addressed claims by residents that some of the roads had not been serviced since early 2024.

Mashigo firmly refuted the allegations.

“The claim is incorrect. Blading maintenance was conducted in August and September 2024, then again in February, March and April 2025,” he said.

This means that despite community frustration, the city has, according to its records, made multiple maintenance interventions in the past year.

Tshwane has also taken steps to address the impact of heavy rains in the area, which residents and officials have identified as a major contributor to road damage.

“An identified blocked stormwater channel, which contributed to excessive water saturation on the roads, was cleared,” said Mashigo.

He added that following this intervention, constant site inspections were conducted after the recent rains to determine the effectiveness of the drainage.

The metro’s update follows mounting frustration from Laezonia residents, who have voiced their grievances about dangerous road conditions.

Resident Natalie Plociennik recently described the state of Francina Street as scarcely drivable, requiring cautious navigation, while declaring Koedoe Road completely unsafe.

She said she avoids using Koedoe entirely due to its hazardous condition and the stress involved in trying to navigate the road.

“Getting stuck in a ditch after daylight would be a safety concern,” said Plociennik.

She added that the condition of the roads was especially concerning to her as a single woman driving alone at night.

She also noted damage to her car from the large holes scattered across the roads and emphasised the risk they pose to other motorists.

While emergency services have not yet been needed at her home, she confirmed that security companies experience delays navigating the poor roads.

“Some residents have been trying to patch the roads, but it’s getting too much,” she said.

Plociennick revealed that many now drive along the verges of Aletta Street to avoid the large holes.

She believes that as taxpayers, the roads that residents rely on should be properly maintained.

Residents previously claimed that the last metro grading of Bodley Road was on February 18, while grading of Rudie, Koedoe, and Francina was carried out privately on March 7.

The complaints came on the back of prior engagements with the metro, including a notable intervention in March, when the Chairperson of Environment and Agriculture Management, Hluphi Gafane, acknowledged that Laezonia was one of the areas hardest hit by extreme weather conditions.

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

Gafane confirmed that a resident complaint had triggered a municipal inspection, after which a team was dispatched to the area.

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

She noted that the urgency of the situation was clear during the inspection, and plans were initially made to begin repairs within two weeks.

However, the timeline was later accelerated.

“Within just three days, the team returned to Laezonia to level and rehabilitate the affected roads,” Gafane stated.

She praised the Region 4 Roads Department for its swift response and thanked residents for their cooperation.

“Their efficiency and commitment exemplify the positive impact that can be achieved when government and communities work together,” she said.

Despite these reassurances and interventions by the metro, residents continue to demand visible, consistent action, particularly on key roads, which they say are vital for their daily movement and safety.

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