Ward 97 committee collect signatures for the upgrade of Saayman Road
Petition to be handed to JRA, which will consider the merits and budget availability.
Members of the Ward 97 committee drummed up community support the old-fashioned way on September 10.
Armed with a pen and clipboard, committee members led by Ward 97 councillor Jacques Hoon got residents of the pothole-laden strip of tarmac to add their weight to the cause. Whether going out for a morning stroll or passing by in their vehicles as they went out to run errands, residents were happy to oblige, signing the petition that will be sent to Johannesburg Roads Agency for consideration.
Saayman Road houses seven sectional title developments, an exponential increase in the load carried since the road was initially laid. The road has no storm water drainage nor adequate runoff, causing the surface water to build up dramatically as rain water flows downhill eroding the tarmac. The area has significant groundwater swelling that is an additional contributor to the constant cratering of the road.
“With the rapid urbanisation in this ward we have seen the road infrastructure was not always properly considered or upgraded. This is the case across the ward,” explained Councillor Hoon, adding that this petition method would be repeated at other residential roads he and his committee had identified. “It is a big ward with many challenges but we are driving improvements wherever possible,” said Hoon.
The urgency with which any road rebuild is needed as well as budget availability will determine if JRA will be able institute an upgrade of Saayman Road or any road infrastructure in the ward. Using what avenues are available to them, Councillor Hoon and his committee are determined to have municipal entities urgently consider the issues they raise.
