Etna and Olympus streets remain closed
Two streets in Ward 70 will remain closed until 2025.
Etna and Olympus streets in Ward 70, Florida Hills are still closed.
Olympus Street (the major street leading into Ontdekkers Road) closed on September 11 due to ongoing construction to fix underground pipes.
Florida South Resident Association (RA) chairperson Cindy-lee Bunger says this is affecting a lot of motorists who want to move from Ontdekkers to the lower side of Florida Hills. She says a notice from the Johannesburg Road Agency (JRA) stated that this construction was supposed to be done by September 25.
JRA’s head of infrastructure development Kwazelela Mcetywa said, “We envisage a new opening date of April 2025. The delays are attributed to performance issues on the side of the consultant.”
• Also read: JRA responds to Etna Street collapse
The Roodepoort Record reported in May of the ongoing problem of Etna Street, which has plagued residents for over three years, yet despite persistent efforts by residents and the RA, repairs have been sluggish.
“With the rainy season having started, there will be more damage for the residents leaving on this street,” said Bunger.
Mcetywa said a preliminary design report has been submitted to JRA’s planning department for approval.
However, the project is experiencing delays due to the consultant’s performance.
“The existing infrastructure is inadequate, and the collapsed stormwater system was assessed and will be upgraded. Budget allocation for the rehabilitation process has been confirmed,” he said.
Residents are still advised to use Matopos and Kenya roads as alternative routes.
