Repairs to storm-water infrastructure damage on Christiaan de Wet Road, behind Clearwater Shopping Mall, will not only result in frustration for motorists using the road, but are estimated to cost a whopping R25 million.
On Monday, 18 May, the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) sent out a press release informing the community that the left lane of this road, towards Ontdekkers Road, will be closed until further notice.
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Motorists were also urged to adhere to the reduced speed limits as that specific section, just before the Wilgerood Road T-junction, has very sharp curves.
Infrastructure development head Siyabonga Genu said the road infrastructure will require urgent rehabilitation and a new storm-water drainage system will have to be installed, as this is a major arterial road.
“The rehabilitation is estimated to cost about R25 million; however, the cost will only be finalised once design solutions have been developed. In the meantime, we have closed the left lane temporarily to ensure the safety of our road users. All other lanes on that road remain unaffected and are open to traffic,” he said.
The councillor for Ward 89, Amelia Bester shared the news in a Facebook post, saying, “Please note this road closure. Thank you JRA team for taking my requests over the years seriously! This is certainly a highlight. This is going to save lives.”
The announcement resulted in some mixed reactions on social media.
Valerie Smith said, “Saw that damage a few days ago; good catch, municipality and Johannesburg Roads division!??”
Kim Lawson, although happy about the announcement, wanted to know, “The question is when are they going to repair the damage on Kilburn Street near King’s School? It’s been like that for months.”
Rita Botha, who was warned about the problem by a family member, was very relieved about the news as she had almost driven into the hole the previous week. She said, “I thought that this was quite dangerous as there were no signs to warn motorists about the hole. I was very lucky!”
