Chaos, congestion and consternation have become the daily norm for the residents of Rebecca Street and the surrounds. Their continued unheard cries are leaving them with a sense of helplessness and no indication of the situation improving.
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On the evening of 7 October, a torrential downpour left a section of Albertina Sisulu Road severely damaged when the storm water drain running under the street collapsed. Early morning motorists removed the makeshift closure but by the end of the day, 8 October, a more permanent barricade had been erected. Since then, the detour through the narrow residential streets has seen heavy traffic destroy verges, driveways and manhole covers as well as knocking over trees.
Another huge concern is the public school on the opposite corner of the Natalie Street end of the closure. “During peak times, the traffic is unbearable but when the school is busy, it becomes incredibly dangerous,” said one vocal resident, Derick Britton. Together with his fellow residents, they have tried their utmost to have the situation remedied but progress has been pedestrian and the response almost silent.
Ward 70 councillor, Caleb Finn had initially relayed a mid-December completion date but as of the second week in November, no repairs had yet commenced. “When they put up the bigger signs, we really started to get worried,” said Derick, recounting the moment when he realised permanent signage had been dug into the road surface in late October.
Updates or fresh information on the project have not been forthcoming from Johannesburg Road Agency or City of Johannesburg. One concerning piece of information was obtained from Gauteng DA caucus leader, Councillor Leah Knott, who said on 1 November, “The asphalt plant has not been operational for several months. The City hasn’t paid the 30 external contractors they hired and as such they aren’t doing any work.”
While the City apparently stalls, buses and massive 16-wheel trucks often simultaneously navigate the once tranquil tree-lined roads endangering property, children and domestic peace. Meanwhile, all the residents want is to be acknowledged, as Derick said, “We would like an action plan to be communicated as to the progress and when the road will be completed. Absolutely nothing has been done. The situation has become so bad.”
