The influx of people residing in disused factories in Kew has been identified as a key contributor to the damage caused to Vincent Tshabalala Road, Alexandra.
The busy main road which links the N3 and M1 highways has been reduced to a one lane between 5th and 6th avenues.
Most of the factories along this road were abandoned years ago prompting illegal occupation by people desperate for accommodation. The residents have made illegal water connections which are not maintained resulting in water constantly streaming down the road which causes potholes.
The regional director Feziwe Ntshinga Makoro has attributed the problem to uncontrolled water use. She said the residents did their laundry and often left the taps running or dripping overnight.
Makoro said the Joburg Roads Agency could not repair the road when it was wet and would have to wait for Joburg Water which is working on a plan to resolve the problem. She asked councillors to urge residents to exercise responsibility as continued misuse of water and public infrastructure would result in delayed and more costly repairs to the road.
Details: City of Joburg, Region E; 011 582 1755
