The deteriorating condition of Walton Jameson Avenue near Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool has sparked growing concern among residents, schools and city officials as parts of the road continue collapsing into the Walker Spruit.

The affected section, located in Ward 92 on the border of Ward 56 behind Affies, has reportedly worsened significantly following recent heavy rains.

Ward 56 councillor Tiaan Dippenaar said the road had been deteriorating for some time, but conditions had rapidly worsened in recent months.

“With the heavy rains, it has worsened very quickly,” said Dippenaar.

He added that Walker Spruit had become blocked with rubble and debris, creating environmental concerns and disrupting downstream water flow.

According to Dippenaar, the metro’s intervention so far has been limited to temporary safety measures.

“They sent a team with the yellow jersey barriers and that was the extent of it. I presume the depleted road resurfacing budget for the financial year is the cause of the delay.”

The metro reportedly placed the jersey barriers at the site on February 16 this year as a temporary solution.

Dippenaar said nearby schools are increasingly worried about the condition of the road because of its close proximity to school grounds and the heavy traffic in the area.

“The school is understandably very concerned due to the proximity to their school grounds. Schools in the surrounding area also rely on that road.”

He said traffic congestion and pedestrian safety concerns intensified during major sporting events at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

“The situation is exacerbated when Loftus is hosting events. Traffic congestion and pedestrian safety become a big concern.”

Dippenaar also warned that the blocked spruit could negatively affect flooding patterns upstream in Ward 56.

According to him, it also has a detrimental impact on the natural environment.

“Walker Spruit is a crucial downstream for flooding that occurs in my ward. As the ward councillor of the neighbouring ward, I am concerned about the impact this blockage will ultimately have upstream in Ward 56.”

DA Tshwane Caucus leader, Cilliers Brink, criticised the lack of infrastructure maintenance in one of Pretoria’s busiest education and sporting nodes.

“This is the Coliseum of Pretoria, where Sundowns and the Bulls face their opponents, and where we bring people together in passion for important challenges,” said Brink while visiting the area near Loftus.

According to Brink, the area is also home to the University of Pretoria, Boys High and Girls High, Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria and Affies.

Brink said the condition of the road highlighted the consequences of neglected infrastructure.

“We’ve seen what the private sector can do for the city in rejuvenating public spaces. But here, chunks of the road seem to be collapsing and even the barriers have been left to fall down. This is what happens if basic infrastructure is neglected.”

He added that congestion in the area became severe during school peak hours and sporting events.

“And especially on game days and on very busy days, such as when schools start again, this becomes heavily congested.”

Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo confirmed the municipality was aware of the deteriorating condition of the road and erosion affecting Walker Spruit.

Mashigo said the channel collapse first occurred in March 2025 and fell under the responsibility of the City’s Regional Operations and Coordination Department.

He said an inspection conducted on May 13 found that the existing asphalt berm and warning signs remained functional.

“The assessment confirmed that the asphalt berm and warning signs currently in place remain intact and functional,” said Mashigo.

According to Mashigo, no further erosion or structural collapse was observed during the inspection.

He said that no budget has been allocated for permanent repairs.

“At this stage, no budget has been allocated for the repair or reconstruction of Walton Jameson Avenue, and the project therefore remains unfunded.”

He said delays in implementing permanent repairs were due to the metro’s current financial constraints.

Mashigo also indicated that rubble, debris and illegal dumping in Walker Spruit would only be prioritised during the 2026/27 financial year, subject to budget availability.

“No formal environmental or flooding risk assessment has been conducted at this stage. However, the city will consider undertaking such assessments in the next financial year, subject to budget availability.”

He added that yellow barriers and road warning signs had been installed to improve safety for motorists and pedestrians, while a lane closure plan was ready should emergency conditions require it.

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