The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has remained silent on the worsening state of Graham Road (M6), a major economic route in the east of Pretoria.

Despite growing public outcry, repeated escalations by ward councillors, and formal media inquiries dating back to January this year, the provincial government remain mum.

Graham Road, particularly at the intersections of Graham Road and Lynnwood Road (M6), Graham Road and Struben Street, as well as the stretch between Lynnwood Road and Silverlakes Road, has become riddled with deep potholes, malfunctioning traffic lights, and traffic congestion.

Residents say the road has been neglected for months, turning a vital transport corridor into what some now describe as “undriveable”, and scores of residents and motorists have taken to social media to vent their frustration, about the hazardous driving conditions.

According to daily road users, several traffic lights along Graham Road have not been fully operational since September last year, posing a serious safety risk during peak morning and afternoon hours.

The prolonged traffic light outages have resulted in frequent congestion, accidents and confusion at busy intersections, with motorists reporting that no pointsmen to direct traffic.

Large sections of the road are also riddled by potholes that have been patched with sand. Residents say these temporary repairs are washed away during rainfall, leaving the surface uneven and dangerous.

Resident Marius Nel said the potholes on the M6 from Lynnwood Road towards Graham Road are causing daily frustration for motorists.

“The potholes on the M6, especially from Lynnwood towards Graham, are damaging vehicles every day. It feels like this road has been completely abandoned,” Nel said.

Another resident, Cecillia du Plessis, said Graham Road and Lynnwood Road require urgent intervention, particularly east of Solomon Mahlangu Drive.

“This is a very busy road, but deteriorated,” du Plessis said.

“They only patch the small holes with sand. It’s like putting a band-aid on a big wound instead of stitches. The road needs proper repairs, not temporary fixes.”

Ward 101 councillor Malcolm de Klerk said he was disappointed by the lack of action and communication from the Gauteng Provincial Government, despite multiple escalations.

“The non-response from the province is extremely concerning,” de Klerk said.

“This road is a major economic corridor, and if it’s not fixed, the local economy suffers. Businesses, workers and residents all feel the impact.”

De Klerk added that while some traffic lights are currently operational, their timing remains a major concern, saying, “Some lights are working, but the timing is completely off, which still causes congestion and safety risks.”

He continued, criticising the overall neglect of the area, “There is no proper maintenance. Grass is not being cut, roads are not being repaired – it’s a jungle.”

He said that as the Gauteng Departmkent of Roads and Transport (GDRT) is not coming to the party, Gauteng Economic Development should also be engaged, as this road runs through a highly active economic zone.

An inquiry regarding the condition of Graham Road was sent to the GDRT in January, but no response has been received to date.

The Tshwane metro also confirmed that it forwarded the inquiry to the province, however, no feedback has been received.

Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said Graham Road falls under the jurisdiction of the GDRT, and the metro has encouraged Rekord to engage with the GDRT.

“For roads under municipal responsibility, the city’s maintenance teams conduct pothole repairs based on reported defects, logged reference numbers and prioritisation informed by backlog assessments,” Mashigo said.

“Heavy rainfall and increased traffic volumes often accelerate deterioration, particularly on roads nearing the end of their lifespan.”

Despite repeated inquiries and mounting concerns the GDRT has yet to indicate when permanent repairs or improved traffic management will be implemented along Graham Road.

Also read: Metro needs to implement tighter controls – Auditor-General

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