Killarney residents plead for urgent pavement and road repairs
Pavements cracked, roads full of potholes, and elderly residents at risk. Killarney locals are speaking out. Despite years of complaints, little has changed.
Residents of Killarney in Ward 73 are calling for urgent action to fix the severely damaged roads and pavements in the area.
With a high population density and many elderly and frail residents, the poor state of infrastructure poses a serious daily risk.
Read more: Craighall Residents Association keeps its suburb clean by fixing the potholes in the area
The Killarney-Riviera Residents Association has repeatedly reported the worsening conditions to the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA). Many pavements are broken or uneven, and large holes have been left after municipal repairs to water and gas pipes. These holes have not been filled in, creating trip hazards and danger to pedestrians, especially those with mobility issues.
The roads are no better. Potholes have developed as old road surfaces crumble away. Some of these are deep enough to damage cars, bicycles and scooters. Despite submitting multiple reports and photo evidence, residents say very little has been done.
The residents’ association has offered to repair the most dangerous potholes at their own cost, but has been warned that the municipality may take legal action against anyone who attempts to fix the roads without approval. This has left residents frustrated, as they are willing to help but are blocked from doing so.
Also read: Pothole claims are mounting in South Africa
Councillor Eleanor Huggett has raised the issue many times. “The state of the roads across Johannesburg is appalling, and Ward 73 is no exception,” she said. “Many of these problems have been reported for years. The residents are ready to contribute and fix what they can, but they are told it’s illegal. Meanwhile, cars are damaged, pedestrians are injured, and the roads just keep getting worse.”
JRA said it was aware of the situation and that Killarney was included in its regular maintenance planning. According to Khayalethu Gqibitole, JRA head of regional operations, roadwork is scheduled weekly, and main roads are being prioritised. He said the agency was dealing with a significant backlog but remained committed to addressing hazardous defects.
However, residents feel that these statements have not yet translated into visible improvements. In the meantime, they continue to live with dangerous conditions, with no clear timeline for repairs.
Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We’d love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts!
Related article: The no-pothole zone initiative from Craig Residents Association
