Smooth ride returns to Kew, but long-term fix still in question
After months of complaints and temporary soil fixes, Johannesburg Roads Agency completed the repairs at 4th Avenue and 10th Road in Kew, but questions on long-term rehabilitation remain.
Residents and motorists travelling through Kew are once again enjoying a smoother ride after the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) repaired the potholes at the intersection of 4th Avenue and 10th Road.
The repairs were completed on February 9, following months of residents’ and motorists’ frustration after new potholes developed not even a metre away from a section rehabilitated in July last year.
Heavy December rain worsened the deterioration, leaving deep holes, loose gravel and filling potholes with water, forcing residents to temporarily fill some holes with soil and stones in an attempt to reduce vehicle damage while awaiting official repairs.
Read more: JRA starts work on Illovo sinkhole
The intersection and sections of 4th Avenue are now layered with fresh asphalt, restoring a safer road for commuters and public transport vehicles driving through this busy intersection.
Ward 81 councillor Joanne Horwitz said this outcome demonstrated the value of persistent community reporting and responsive service delivery working together.
“After sustained engagement, the long-awaited repairs at the intersection of 4th Avenue and 10th Road in Kew have finally been completed. Residents, Ward 81 urban inspector Thalu Malaudzi and I consistently logged and escalated the deplorable condition of this road, while the Sandton Chronicle helped shine a necessary spotlight on the issue. Today, we are pleased to see this important stretch of road restored,” Horwitz said.
Also read: Relief for Kew motorists as JRA repairs dangerous potholes on 10th Road and 4th Avenue
In the article, Back to square one with Kew potholes, [Week ending January 23], JRA regional manager Khayalethu Gqibitole said the affected road sections have reached the end of their design life, making them more susceptible to damage during periods of heavy rainfall.
“July repairs met durability and workmanship standards, newly formed potholes fall outside the repaired intersection,” Gqibitole added.
Daily commuter Siyabonga Lubisi said he was grateful for the repairs, but a pothole patch was not a solution to the road that had reached its lifespan.
“We are grateful for the fix, but we have seen this before. Roads are failing weeks or months after repairs. JRA needs to stop this thing of pothole patching. If the road has reached its lifespan, why don’t they redo the whole road?” he added.
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