After months of frustration caused by sewer leaks and an unrepaired road surface, the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) completed repair work on 9th Avenue, with the potholes finally patched on Tuesday, October 7.

According to Michael Steyn, the Panorama Residents Association (PRA) deputy chair, the sewer pipe responsible for the ongoing issues was replaced on May 12, after prolonged frustration due to continuous sewer leaks that residents had to endure.

“Since the pipe replacement, we have been struggling to get the road surface repaired,” Steyn said.
“Despite multiple follow-ups with Johannesburg Water (JW), we were repeatedly told that the repair work had been handed over to JRA. In turn, JRA informed us they were still waiting for a job card from JW. Over the past months, our follow-up efforts have gone unanswered.”

• Also read: Neighbours unite to restore 9th Avenue

He explained that the matter was escalated to senior management at both entities on October 2.

“As a result, we received a commitment that the repair would be prioritised,” he said. St further shared that they were then informed that a team was currently on site, with the repairs expected to be completed the next day.

“While the PRA takes pride in being proactive and resolving many issues independently, we also recognise the importance of building strong relationships with municipal entities,” Steyn said, expressing that the PRA values collaboration with municipal bodies.

“This collaboration is crucial for ensuring faster turnaround times for matters outside our direct control. We view this as a partnership and sincerely appreciate the prompt action taken following our recent escalation.”

The Roodepoort Northsider approached the JRA for comment on the completed repairs to find out about the delays and whether there were any other parts of the area that would be receiving the necessary attention of road maintenance, and by the time of going to print, no response had been received.