Bridge across Little Falls greenbelt a treacherous eyesore for residents and visitors
Money and time wasted in efforts to repair the road which is one of only two ways to cross between the suburbs.
Potholes can often be a symptom of greater decay.
Few roads are pothole free and motorists have been conditioned to be observant, but the areas around the most problematic sections contribute to the mess. Since January residents have been attempting to have a key section of Witwatersrand Avenue addressed. The low bridge that crosses the greenbelt dividing Strubens Valley and Little Falls has multiple potholes that bring traffic to a standstill as motorists try to navigate the submerged obstacles.
The bridge crosses a wetland which causes regular overflows of water that hamper repair efforts. Residents have attempted to fill the holes themselves but have backed off their attempts after being warned of repercussions. In April, Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) warned residents not to fix potholes themselves as the entity had compliance standards that renegade operations seldom met. To combat the water flow, residents dug an informal drain but the water volumes regularly exceed the muddy trench’s capacity.
Residents commended Ward 85 councillor Zonè Hughes’s efforts but felt her hands were tied.
“We had a site visit with the regional director’s office in April and one of the issues raised was the road on Witwatersrand Ave as well as the greenbelt and the water flow. Since then, I have been asking that repairs be done and the constant water flowing is also not helping the matter. I have this week submitted a question to council regarding the greenbelt as well,” explained Hughes.
The wetland is maintained by Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JPCZ) but residents believe a blocked or broken water pipe could be increasing the amount of water running through the field.
Hughes offered her solution, saying, “The area needs to be maintained as there have been numerous break-ins from the greenbelt side. JRA also needs to open up the water channel which is also not flowing correctly which is suspected to be the cause of the water flowing over the road.”
Johannesburg Water, JCPZ, and JRA were all contacted for additional information and while the requests were acknowledged, no further information has been made available.
