Controversy still reigns over the ongoing resurfacing of Spencer Road, which runs from Albertina Sisulu Road to Main Reef Road, past the CMR Golf Club.

The Roodepoort Record recently reported on the dire state of Shaft Street in Stormill Ext 2. Business owners expressed frustration over the Johannesburg Roads Agency’s (JRA) failure to repair the road surface, which they say serves as the only entry and exit point for about 3 500 staff members. They also warned that the deteriorating road is discouraging customers who fear damage to their vehicles.

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Business owners and JRA officials, among others, held a meeting, chaired by the regional director of Citizen Relationship and Urban Management (Crum) for Region C, Lenny Belot, at the Roodepoort Civic Centre on April 15, where it was made clear that JRA’s insistence on resurfacing Spencer Road was unacceptable.

According to Stormill Association co-director Leon Hamman, repairs to Shaft Street should enjoy priority because of the number of people the road serves, and because it is the only entry and exit to Stormill Ext 2.

He added that Spencer Road is not the only entry and exit point between Maraisburg and Main Reef Road.

JRA officials at the meeting informed business owners that their investigation into the possible resurfacing of Spencer Road revealed severe stormwater challenges, and any resurfacing of the road would require an extensive overhaul of the stormwater infrastructure.

Thus, it came as a surprise when JRA announced the closure of Spencer Road for resurfacing just a few weeks later.

JRA’s acting head of regional operations, Mpho Maruping, confirms the closure of Spencer Road, saying that resurfacing is currently underway.

“This includes the milling out of the existing asphalt and upgrading the road surface to driveable and safer conditions for motorists,” he says.

Maruping adds that the resurfacing of Spencer Road was prioritised due to the extent of the road damage and its impact on road safety, accessibility, and traffic impact.

“Spencer Road is a critical access route to two main arterials, namely Albertina Sisulu Road and Main Reef Road. These roads experience higher-than-normal traffic volumes.”

He further mentions that the ongoing scope of work does not extend to stormwater upgrades.

“However, JRA is in the process of conducting extensive assessments of infrastructure along Spencer Road to determine the cause of the occasional or event flooding in the area.

“The outcome of these assessments will indicate the conditions and capacity of the stormwater infrastructure and determine the remedial work, if necessary. Further developments will be communicated once investigations and assessments have been completed.”