Numerous roads have been plagued with potholes for years, and despite Johannesburg Roads Agency’s (JRA) efforts to fill them, the problem persists and worsens over time.
Residents are frustrated with the temporary fixes, which seem to be nothing more than a plaster solution on various roads in the area.
Also read: Neglected sinkholes plague the Northside
According to residents Pieter Ellis and Dewalt Pienaar, the issue lies in the type of tar used to fill the potholes. While it may provide a temporary fix, the tar often fades out over time, leaving the pothole visible again.
This means that the JRA is faced with a never-ending cycle of filling and refilling the same potholes. Ellis added that the affected streets with hazardous potholes are Florin Road, Dariek Street, Fiver Street, Staatspond Avenue, Spaargeld Avenue, between Kruggerand and Sovereign Road, Krediet Avenue, Nest Egg Avenue and many more in the Wilgeheuwel area.
“Potholes are an issue everywhere, and it has come to a point where residents have to take the initiative to get their own materials and equipment to try and fill the holes to make it easier for drivers to use the roads. I have driven around the area and seen how most roads are neglected, and despite our effort to raise awareness of JRA, we remain in the dark.
“JRA did eventually come and fill the potholes of Florin Road on March 20, but in a week or two, the very same potholes were damaged again because of the heavy rains and not using the correct materials. Currently, all that is being used is crushed stone or gravel, which wears out in a week,” Ellis adds.
JRA spokesperson Bertha Peters-Scheepers has acknowledged the problem and added that JRA is working to find a more permanent solution. However, in the meantime, residents are left to navigate the potholed roads, which can cause damage to vehicles and pose a safety risk.
