Houghton residents plead with the JRA to fix damage Glenhove pavement

Residents of Houghton Estates are pleading with the Joburg Road Agency to help fix the poor quality of the pavement along Glenhove Road from Somerville Road to the bridge over the M1.

As a result of the launch of the Pothole App in Joburg by the City of Johannesburg Mayor Mpho Moerane, Discovery Insurance, and Dialdirect Insurance on October 12, residents had another opportunity to voice their concerns.

In an interview with the Gazette, Debbie Firer, one of the residents, explained that they (the residents) have repeatedly reported the problem to authorities without any result for the past three years.

The pavement has a massive hole outside the cluster complex called Fontenay, on Glenhove Road, corner of Somerville Road.

According to Firer, the pavement was dug up about four years ago or more as there were many water leaks coming from the underground pipes in the spot.

“Because of this huge hole, with exposed pipes and electrical cords, it is impossible to continue to walk on this pavement. In order to bypass it, one has to step out into the road, which is always extremely busy, with cars whizzing by.

“If you have navigated this in one piece, you then have to try and dodge the enormous bushes on the pavement, and once again step out into the busy road where cars are driving past at speed.”

Firer added that if you decide to carry on your journey as a pedestrian on foot, the next obstacle is the drains, on the corner of Glenhove Road and the onramp to the M1 North. The concrete slab has not been securely fixed into place, which causes it to wobble and make it difficult to maintain your balance.

“Many times I have tripped on this uneven surface trying to cross this part of the road, from the pavement on the left, over the road to the pavement on the right is another health hazard as the cars do not indicate and swing left at short notice.”

Several residents suggested that the JRA should at least instal a zebra crossing on this section of the road. Firer added, “I use this pathway often when I walk to my place of worship. There are many children who use this route, as well as mothers who are often pushing prams. It is dangerous, not easy to use and it is smelly.”

In response to the matter, the JRA said its depot in Region E is aware of this problem, ”The issue was with Joburg Water that fixed their pipe and in the process damaged the JRA storm water pipe. The cause of the delay is that the area is still exposed because Joburg Water is still busy fixing their pipe. The area has not been handed over to the JRA for reinstatement.” said Zoleka Jika of JRA.