The deteriorating condition of roads in Mondeor Ext 5 has become a growing concern for residents, who say the increasing number of potholes is being ignored despite numerous reports to the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA).

Residents have been logging complaints since 2025, but many of the potholes remain unrepaired and continue to worsen.

Some have become so large and waterlogged that they resemble small ponds, creating a serious hazard for motorists and other road users.

The absence of warning signs or protective barriers further increases the risk of accidents, particularly at night and during rainy weather.

Resident Thabile Ngwenya said the poor road conditions are not only compromising safety but are also placing a financial burden on households.

“Motorists have suffered damage to tyres, bent rims and vehicle suspensions after driving over these potholes. Many residents cannot afford the costly repairs,” she said.

In an effort to prompt action, residents submitted a petition to the JRA on July 1, calling for urgent repairs.

“To date, we have received no meaningful response or indication of when the roads will be repaired. All we have received are reference numbers,” Ngwenya said.

Frustrated by the lack of progress, community members recently carried out temporary repairs to some of the worst-affected sections of Fielding Crescent by filling the potholes themselves.

“While this shows the community’s commitment to improving road safety, these temporary fixes are not a substitute for proper road maintenance and will not last. Residents are calling on the JRA to act without further delay.

“Public infrastructure is a shared community asset, and its continued neglect not only puts road users at risk but also affects the quality of life of everyone living in the area,” she added.

Ngwenya said Mondeor Ext 5 deserves safe, well-maintained roads and hopes renewed attention to the issue will encourage the relevant authorities to respond to residents’ long-standing pleas.

Submit claims

Ward 125 Clr Matsobane Sekhu echoed residents’ concerns, confirming that a petition was submitted to the JRA on July 1.

“There have been several reports from residents whose tyres were damaged by the potholes. As councillors, we escalate these urgent matters to the JRA once incidents have been reported and reference numbers issued. Unfortunately, the agency often takes a long time to respond.

“Even though it is a new financial year, there has been very little movement. The explanation we continue to receive is that the JRA is under-resourced. We also advise residents whose vehicles have been damaged to submit claims against the JRA’s liability,” said Sekhu.

DOWNLOAD: Public Liability Claim Form

Southern Courier submitted a media inquiry to JRA liaison officers Kelebogile Mafa, Mosa Makhalima and Bertha Scheepers on July 28, requesting comment on the residents’ reference numbers and the petition.

Responding on the same day, Mafa said: “Thanks for your inquiry. We will follow up on this matter and revert soon.”

UPDATE: August 3

JRA’s Acting Head of Regional Operations, Mr. Mpho Maruping:

JRA is aware of the potholes on Fielding Crescent in Mondeor. Our teams inspected the area and will undertake the road repairs next week (ending 7 August 2026) as part of its planned maintenance programme.