Residents throughout the Northside have made it clear that they are fed up with the deteriorated condition of many of the roads within their neighbourhoods.
Several residents’ associations, companies, and private individuals throughout the greater Roodepoort region have in recent years taken it upon themselves to procure materials and train and pay staff to conduct minor repairs on roads to save residents from sustaining damage to their vehicles or having to navigate dangerous roads due to potholes that the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) simply does not attend to.
They do this out of necessity, knowing that it is technically illegal.
Another common complaint is that road damage from underground electrical, fibre, and water pipe repairs and installations is generally poorly repaired by the entity and its contractors, leading to even more dangerous conditions on the roads.
“We have tried on numerous occasions to engage with JRA regarding pothole repairs but with no success,” says Honeydew Residents Association chairperson, Izak van Rooyen. “There are streets in our area where calls were logged with JRA more than a year ago and have still not been attended to.
“As an association that works for the upliftment of our neighbourhoods and communities, we cannot simply sit back and watch the carnage unfolding on our roads. Something has to be done about the situation, and if the entity is not going to do it, then we have no choice but to step in.”
The Northsider, after having spoken to numerous individuals, companies and individuals, approached the JRA to get answers regarding their refusal to allow people or organisations outside of the JRA to repair potholes.
JRA’s acting head of regional operations Khaya Gqibitole has confirmed that anyone conducting any work on road or stormwater infrastructure runs the risk of prosecution.
“The City has appointed the JRA as the roads authority in Johannesburg, meaning nothing can be done within the City’s road reserves without consulting with the JRA,” says Gqibitole.
He adds that, as the JRA holds the sole mandate for the care and maintenance of roads and stormwater systems, it assumes liability for any activities performed.
“For example, if there is an incident or accident caused by the road infrastructure, JRA takes responsibility. Thus, it would be unfair for the JRA to take responsibility for the safety and quality of work performed by someone else.”
Residents’ associations contend that given the obvious limitations the entity faces in carrying out repairs to the roads, this is an unacceptable stance.
“We have requested on more than one occasion that a wayleave be granted for such work to be carried out,” says Florida South Residents Association chairperson, Rodney Churchyard.
“Within the terms of this wayleave, anyone conducting such work would be required to do it to the minimum standards as set out by the entity.
“We have offered to send people for training with the JRA to ensure that their safety and quality standards are fully met, but they have simply refused.”
Gqibitole has affirmed the JRA stance on the matter: “While JRA is committed to providing quality roads that are safe and liveable for communities, the company’s business does not extend to providing training, which is offered by Construction SETAs. However, there are opportunities such as internships and learnerships.
“Maintenance and construction of roads and stormwater remains the sole mandate of JRA, and companies that are contracted and vetted by JRA.”
Gqibitole reiterated the JRA warning that anyone found conducting unauthorised work on any JRA infrastructure runs the risk of being arrested or fined by the city’s Infrastructure Protection Unit.
