Councillor slams delays on Woodmead road repairs

Woodmead residents continue to grapple with deteriorating road conditions as several streets remain plagued by potholes months after being reported for repairs.

During a site visit with the publication on March 24, Ward 106 councillor Chris Santana described the condition of Bevan Road, Wessels Road, and Gary Street as a lack of progress from Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA). Standing next to large unaddressed potholes, Santana expressed frustration at what he sees as ongoing inaction, despite repeated reporting. “As a councillor, I understand the residents’ frustration when we report issues and there’s just no response from the city.

Read more: Pothole repairs underway in River Club following December asphalt plant closure

We’re currently just doing a follow-up on the roads that were reported to JRA in January, to see whether they have actually come to solve the issues that have been reported numerous times.

“Unfortunately, all the roads that we’ve reported along Bevan Road, Wessels Road, and Gary Street are yet to be addressed.

“JRA mentions that if the road is passed it’s used for life, it is a little bit difficult to do the repairs. It needs to be scheduled for resurfacing or reconstruction, but, again, how long must we wait, even for the basics to be done?

Also read: City Power and road repairs top concerns for Ward 81

“The roads looks like a patch job. It’s almost like we’ve done a whole patch work, but again we can do things properly. We can do things that are relevant and effective for our residents.”

Santana questioned if JRA is fulfilling its mandate to maintain infrastructure for the rate payers. “If you say that these roads need to be reconstructed, surely then you would have taken a section of this road out, reconstructed it, and actually filled it, doing the necessary repairs for our residents.

“I’m pleading to JRA to actually deal with the matters, and finalise these issues that are so long outstanding.”

@caxtonjoburgnorth WATCH: Ward 106 councillor Chris Santana raises concerns over the poor condition of Bevan Road, Wessels Road, and Gary Street in Woodmead where potholes remain months after being reported. Video: Xoliswa Zakwe #Sandton #Ward106 ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

In response to concerns, JRA regional operations manager Khayalethu Gqibitole said: “Ward 106 was included in this financial year’s resurfacing schedule, whereby 12th Ave, and part Stiglingh Road, were amongst the roads that made it to the list.

“However, resurfacing and reconstruction of roads are capital expenditure, and require budget for their implementation. The teams are on the ground attending to the daily maintenance activities, even on roads that have reached their design life. The councillor would need to include these roads in the next financial year, and take into consideration the budget constraints.”

Commenting on the measures in place to ensure that previously reported defects from January are addressed thoroughly rather than recurring temporary fixes, Gqibitole said: “The defects are on schedule, however, please note that these are new potholes and Johannesburg Water reinstatements that emanated during the rainfalls. The aged roads are susceptible to potholes due to having reached their lifespan.

“The recent defects will be scheduled and attended to in two weeks’ time. The Johannesburg Water reinstatements will also be added to the list.”

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