![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2018/03/makhuba_78349.jpg)
Over 22km of gravel roads have been upgraded across the City of Johannesburg’s road network in nine months.
According to the MMC for Transport, Nonhlanhla Makhuba, this forms part of the Johannesburg Roads Agency‘s (JRA) Gravel Roads Upgrade Programme. The agency is also close to achieving the 27km 2017/2018 target.
“Over recent decades, Johannesburg has experienced an increase in residential suburbs and informal townships. This has given rise to the need for an improved and expanded transportation system and human settlements infrastructure,” Makhuba said.
“As part of the City’s long-term plan, JRA aims to upgrade all gravel roads to surfaced roads within formalised townships, which are predominantly a result of the legacy of apartheid. Gravel roads make up 1 168,53 km of the City’s 13 599 km road network.”
The City revealed that 72 per cent of gravel roads are in a poor or very poor condition and require reshaping and re-gravelling. Over 2 000km of surfaced roads require resurfacing and over 3 000km of very poor and poor roads require reconstruction.
“In line with the City of Johannesburg’s Growth and Development Strategy and Integrated Transport Network Plan, JRA aims to deliver on quality roads that are accessible, safe and livable for communities,” the MMC said.
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