The Eastbourne Road community in Carlswald is at a critical juncture, grappling with a series of daunting challenges that threaten their quality of life.
From noise and dust pollution to increased traffic and rising crime rates, what was once a serene agricultural area has become a chaotic thoroughfare.
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On August 31, a pivotal meeting held at the Lutheran Church revealed the depth of residents’ struggles and their collective pursuit of solutions for a safer and healthier community.
Residents assert that Eastbourne Road is a narrow, poorly maintained dirt path serving approximately 18 agricultural plots in Carlswald Agricultural Holdings.
Historically a local thoroughfare for agricultural activities, it has morphed into a vital route for taxis and vehicles, particularly during peak hours, leading to significant congestion and heightened safety concerns.
Running parallel to the busy Harry Gaulaun Drive – an essential link connecting Noordwyk to Vorna Valley and the N1 highway – Eastbourne Road has become a popular shortcut, further exacerbating existing issues.
Residents like Tjaart Kruger describe the dire consequences of these changes. In a heartfelt email, Kruger likened mornings on Eastbourne Road to, ‘being engulfed in a sandstorm’, as dust clouds significantly worsen air quality, posing serious health risks, especially for those with respiratory conditions.
Adding weight to these concerns, Vanan Subramoney highlighted the reckless driving habits that have emerged in recent years.
Subramoney recounted a harrowing incident from last November involving a minibus taxi that left several passengers injured – a stark reminder of the perilous conditions.
The deteriorating conditions of Eastbourne Road have also fostered a troubling increase in crime. Long-time resident Ryan Meiring reported a break-in just two months ago.
Furthermore, inadequate storm water management has led to frequent flooding during rainy seasons, creating dangerous rifts and craters in the roadway.
The lack of proper infrastructure only exacerbates the difficulties faced by residents who seek a peaceful existence in their neighborhood.
Residents comment on Eastbourn Road
• Mandla Nhlapo: I have been living in Carslwald for over 20 years and it is mindboggling that Eastbourne Road is one of two roads in Carlswald that are not tarred and yet all other streets were tarred more than 20 years ago.
• Ryan Meiring: There is excess dust caused by the cars which makes it almost unlivable from a health perspective in winter.
• Rob Cunningham: In conclusion, road closure, tarring of Eastbourne, and installation of effective speed controls is the only way to safeguard our community. As a loyal and fully paid up customer of the COJ, I urge the city to consider our application and do the right thing in approving this.
• Kevin Langston: Eastbourne Road is a dirt road that constantly needs upgrading and upkeeping… During the summer months, especially during high rainfall periods, the extent of the road damage is so severe that municipal infrastructure becomes exposed and damaged.
• Medelaine Richardson: The resulting clouds of dust have affected us in a major way. You can actually see the dust hanging in the air, looks like my windows are dirty, and taste it in your mouth when you go outside.
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A resilient community with hope seeking solutions together
In response to these challenges, the Eastbourne Road community has rallied for change, with support from Ward 112 councillor Lerato Mphefo.
A series of discussions aimed at transformative projects to enhance safety and security have commenced, focusing on initiatives such as the proposed access-controlled closure of the road, plans for tarring, and implementation of traffic-calming measures.
During their recent meeting, the community deliberated on which legal entity might best to submit the necessary applications for access control, and which security company could be engaged to assist.
Mphefo has been a guiding force, with residents like Karen Kruger expressing gratitude for her support in their ongoing struggle.
“Timing is everything for sure,” Kruger said. “And while support can be hard to come by when you genuinely need it, I speak on behalf of all residents in expressing our heartfelt gratitude towards councillor Lerato for her guidance in our efforts to transform Eastbourne Road into a no-crime zone through implementing security access restrictions and the tarring of our narrow-farm road which includes essential traffic calming measures. This has been a struggle we have been engaged in since 2013.”
Despite the significant challenges they face, the residents remain resilient and committed to finding solutions. Their ongoing dialogue with Mphefo and relevant departments symbolises a united front working towards safer infrastructure and the access-controlled closure they urgently need.
“From that [first] conversation [with councillor mphefo], it was very clear that she would navigate us to reinstating our bill of violence and the right to life.”
Speaking to Mphefo, the councillor acknowledged her awareness of the discussed projects and has been providing community members with information on how to request access-controlled closure and road tarring from the Johannesburg Road Agency (JRA) and relevant departments.
“Karen Kruger contacted me, and on August 7. I met with residents who expressed concerns about having the road tarred,” Mphefo stated.
She noted that this was not the first time residents from Eastbourne Road approached her about the road; a previous group, a few years back, had preferred to keep it untarred to avoid increased traffic according to the councillor.
However, the current Eastbourne community comes with solutions, and the councillor is backing them.
The road remains gravel and is maintained by the JRA through grading and upkeep. Mphefo encourages residents to communicate with her for solutions, so she can direct them to the relevant departments.
She emphasised that getting the road tarred is more complex than simply patching potholes, as it requires a budget. Residents are also advised to attend the upcoming Integrated Development Programme meetings to voice their concerns.
Midrand Reporter reached out to the JMPD and JRA for comments on road issues, including reckless driving and road deterioration. Officials had not responded by the publication deadline, and a follow-up will appear in the next edition.
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