JRA warns residents not to spray-paint or fix Joburg’s potholes

The Johannesburg Road Agency (JRA) has warned against “defacing and branding” of potholes, saying it contravenes the city’s bylaws.

It also warned against repairing the potholes without getting written permission.

A trend has developed in recent months where gatvol residents are spray-painting the words ‘ANC’ and ‘DA’ next to potholes across Johannesburg.

The JRA has now put out a statement saying that these actions are illegal.

“No person may in any way deface, mark or paint any public road or part of a public road or any structure related to such road, without the prior written permission of the Council,” it said.

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JRA warns of fines

It added that residents can be fined if caught marking the road.  

“Clause 10 of the said bylaws states that, ‘if a person referred to in this section fails to remove the matter, paint, article or substance, the Council may remove such item and in addition to any penalty which may be imposed in terms of this bylaw, [and] recover the cost of removal from that person’.”

ALSO READ: Joburg’s potholes cost taxpayers R24 million in claims in just three months

JRA said although it understands that residents are frustrated by the numerous potholes on Joburg’s roads, no private person or organisation can repair or brand the roads without approval.

“Only authorised personnel or organisations can repair and paint the roads,” it said.

“We would like to urge organisations and the public to refrain from this act as it is against the law of the City of Johannesburg.”

JRA added that it “will continue to work hard to ensure that our roads are safe to travel on”.

Twitter reactions

JRA’s message, however, has angered some residents.

Greg Crighton took to Twitter to complain that he was going to write JRA a note on his street “but paint doesn’t stick to water and mud”.

I was going to write you a note on my street but paint doesn't stick to water and mud.
This is my street you refuse to repair. #useless pic.twitter.com/asL5wDdANR

— Greg Crighton (@CaptainGrogg) April 21, 2023

Heather told JRA employees to bring a spade and tar when they arrive with their fines.

“When your guy comes along with our fine notice, please tell him to bring a spade and some tar, and he can help us fill a few potholes,” she tweeted.

When your guy comes along with our fine notice, please tell him to bring a spade and some tar, and he can help us fill a few potholes. As if an agency that can’t find and fill the holes in the first place is capable of prosecuting anyone 🙄😂

— Heather Irvine (@HeatherIrv) April 22, 2023

Wayne told JRA to spend more time fixing potholes, instead of complaining about people highlighting the poor service delivery.

And yet our roads in JHB remain a nightmare to drive on. You need to develop a thicker skin and just do your job by fixing the roads. It’s really that simple. Instead of wasting time and effort moaning at folks for highlighting how bad your service delivery is! 🤬

— Wayne Reid (@fivelza) April 21, 2023

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