Action for Accountability projects cares for its community
The lack of responsiveness from the authorities in the past has left the community feeling resigned to the presence of potholes as an unavoidable reality.
The picturesque suburb of Mondeor is home to beautiful mountains, lush vegetation, and peaceful streams, but the beauty is spoiled by the presence of many potholes.
The lack of responsiveness from the authorities in the past has left the community feeling resigned to the presence of potholes as an unavoidable reality. Seeking to address the issue, Action for Accountability member community member Trene’ Poragadu visited the pothole sites on May 18, documenting them for reporting purposes.
She found them on Asher Road, Cortayne Avenue, Daubney Road, Ormonde Drive, and other nearby streets. They range in size from tiny indentations to gaping craters.
She said residents must be cautious on the roads to prevent potential damage to their vehicles due to these potholes.
In addition to being an unnecessary financial burden, hitting a pothole can result in serious accidents.
The Mondeor community has faced challenges in mobilising collective action. Many residents believe paying their rates and taxes should be sufficient. They are placing the responsibility for pothole repairs on the municipality and the Johannesburg Road Agency (JRA). However, their complaints to the municipality have fallen on deaf ears, leaving them disheartened.
Brigitte Lobbecke, a community member, expressed frustration, saying the municipalities are useless; they ignore the issues the residents bring to their attention.
“Why should I continue bothering?” said Lobbecke.
The Action For Accountability project, run by the Mondeor Civic Action group, immediately reported the potholes on Cortayne Avenue and Ormonde Drive to the JRA, the City of Johannesburg, and ward Clr Stuart Marais via Twitter.
Thanks to the efforts of the Mondeor Community, the JRA took swift action by filling the pothole on Ormonde Drive with tar on May 19.
Moving forward, the community will continue to monitor the pothole situation in Mondeor and report them to the relevant authorities.
• Supplied by: Trene Poragadu – Action 4 Accountability story teller
