Poorly reinstated road surface in lower Witpoortjie raises concerns
A resident raises concerns over poor road reinstatement and lack of action on existing potholes along Kalden Street.
Johan Bax and Kalden Street, in lower Witpoortjie, resident Dipuo Matsobane is concerned after Johannesburg Water (JW) fixed a leaking pipe and left the road unsurfaced.
According to Matsobane, the leaking pipe was repaired a few weeks ago, but the road surface wasn’t reinstated properly. She says red soil was left on the street and her pavement.
“The soil from the excavation was left like that, and it kept blowing into my house. With the rainy season starting soon, I’m worried that a bigger pothole will begin to form.”
• Also read: JRA questioned over unresolved Althea, Sandpeer potholes
During the Roodepoort Record’s visit on August 13, motorists were seen driving around the excavated area, highlighting the potential danger to road users.
Matsobane also raised concerns about the entity’s work quality and accountability, saying no one appears to inspect and supervise contractors after the work has been completed.
“This is disappointing to me because I’m a responsible resident and I pay my rates and taxes.”
The newly formed pothole is not the only one affecting Kalden Street, which is also littered with several other potholes.
• Also read: Watch: Spencer Road resurfacing: JRA’s non-existent ‘job in progress’
Motsobane said residents have long reported the road defects to the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA), but no action has been taken.
“We feel completely neglected in this section because none of the service delivery issues is getting attention.”
The Record sent questions to JW on Monday, August 17 at noon, requesting comment by August 20 at 09:00. The enquiry sought clarity on the poorly repaired excavation at the corner of Johan Bax and Kalden streets, why it had been left in that condition, which entity is responsible for repairing it, whether JW or the JRA and whether contractors are monitored or supervised when carrying out work.
A separate set of questions was sent to the JRA on August 17 at 12:15, also requesting comment by August 20 at 09:00. The enquiry sought clarity on whether the agency is responsible for repairing the excavation left after the JW work, as well as whether there are plans to address the potholes along Kalden Street.
Multiple email follow-ups were also made between the two entities in the days following; however, at the time of publication, neither entity responded to the Record’s enquiries.
