An integrated service delivery operation led by the City of Johannesburg’s MMC for Transport, Cllr Kenny Kunene, together with the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) Board and CEO Zweli Nyathi, was joined by community members and ward councillors from Ward 57 as part of Operation Restore, also known as #OperationLungisa, #OperationLokisa, and #OperasieHerstel.

The activation was held on Thursday, December 18, at the corner of Cartwright Avenue and Eugene Marais Street, focusing on long-standing road and stormwater infrastructure challenges in the area.

Ward councillor Faeeza Chame said residents have endured poor road conditions for years, particularly along South Rand Road, where frequent accidents have been reported.

@southern.courier Ward councillor Faeeza Chame said residents have endured poor road conditions for years, particularly along South Rand Road, where frequent accidents have been reported. Full story on southerncourier.co.za #OperationLungisa #OperationLokisa #OperasieHerstel ♬ original sound – Southern Courier

“Today we are here with JRA and the MMC for Transport, Kenny Kunene.

“I have been pleading with them about South Rand Road. It has been a problem for many years, and accidents happen almost every week.

“Residents are frustrated, and there is not a single day they don’t ask what is happening with the roads,” she said.

Chame said the intervention should not be a one-off, stressing that residents deserve consistent service delivery.

“They have committed to fixing roads with issues, installing speed humps, and cleaning stormwater drains.

“Let us hope this does not happen only when communities fight for services.

“Residents are ratepayers and deserve proper service delivery,” she added.

Commenting on the Olyfberg and Kenega flats, Chame said the access road had been in poor condition for many years, making it difficult for residents to drive their vehicles.

@southern.courier Commenting on the Olyfberg and Kenega flats, Chame said the access road had been in poor condition for many years, making it difficult for residents to drive their vehicles. Full story on southerncourier.co.za #OperationLungisa #OperationLokisa #OperasieHerstel ♬ original sound – Southern Courier

“About two weeks ago, I brought JRA to see the condition of the road, and they finally agreed that it requires maintenance. I am really glad that they are here today,” she said.

Kunene outlined the scope of work being undertaken by JRA as part of the operation.

“We are here as JRA to do the work that needs to be done through Operation Restore.

“This includes unblocking stormwater drains, repairing collapsed drains, pothole patching, deep patching, and road markings,” he said.

Road markings were repainted on Van Wyk Louw Road, while stormwater drains were unblocked and vegetation cleared along Eugene Marais Street.

These efforts are vital to prevent flooding and protect road infrastructure.

Inside the yard of Olyfberg and Kenega flats, maintenance work also began on December 17, although progress was slowed by heavy rainfall on Thursday morning.

Community members joined Kunene and the JRA team during the activation, providing input on problem areas and highlighting roads and stormwater issues that required urgent attention.

Concerns about Rand Airport Road were also raised during the operation, with Kunene acknowledging the poor condition of the road.

@southern.courier Community members joined Kunene and the JRA team during the activation, providing input on problem areas and highlighting roads and stormwater issues that required urgent attention. Full story on southerncourier.co.za #OperationLungisa #OperationLokisa #OperasieHerstel ♬ original sound – Southern Courier

“I drove there this morning, and it is in a bad state. We have been trying to secure the budget to fix that road, and we will make sure it is repaired,” he said.

The road has been a source of frustration for residents and commuters for months, after resurfacing work was repeatedly delayed due to asphalt production issues and adverse weather.

As we reported previously, the JRA has confirmed that the issues affecting asphalt production have been resolved and that plans are in place to prioritise repairs to make the road safer.

The operation forms part of the city’s ongoing efforts to restore road infrastructure, improve safety and respond to service delivery concerns raised by communities in Region F.

ALSO READ: Rand Airport Road resurfacing delayed again: JRA cites weather