Bombarded with enquires, Johannesburg Roads Agency(JRA) stepped forward to provide answers.
To alleviate the concerns of residents and address recurring questions, JRA held a virtual meeting on Wednesday November 16. Guided by Ward 71 councillor, René Benjamin, Region C Operations Manager, Lawrence Maseko, gave a lengthy presentation on the scope of JRA’s work as well as legislative framework that the entity works within.
Roughly 80 attendees sat for over 90 minutes while Maseko explained JRA’s constitutional mandate, growth and development strategy and decision making procedures that lead to the work seen by residents on the ground. Two of the three areas of specific interest which he elaborated on in depth were around the petition process for speed calming measures and road closures.
For speed calming measures, the requirements of a petition are a signed letter of support from the community, a letter from the ward councillor supporting the measure and a letter of support from the City of Johannesburg’s Regional Director’s Office. A supporting letter or enforcement statistics from the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department is also required and submissions can be done at the Region C Petitions Unit or through the resident’s ward councillor.
Regulating the flow of traffic by closing off access points is a common suggestion made by residents. This action is governed by the Security Access Restriction Policy and to make a submission residents must form part of a home owners association or similar body. Here, a description of public place, motivation, proposed access restriction, a traffic impact study and details of consultations with affected persons are all required.
While the above was pertinent, most in attendance were itching to hear answers to the City’s ever present pothole problem. Maseko claimed to have a directive to repair potholes within 72 hours of the defects being reported, a timeframe vociferously disputed by those listening in. The productivity of JRA teams was also highlighted with Maseko stating teams aimed to repair 25 potholes per day.
Community members were then given the floor to seek their own answers. Dave Baxter from Panorama Residents Association queried the condition of JG Strydom Road and 9th Avenue following the F46 Rand Water pipeline project. Maseko relayed that Rand Water had been on site and were given a snag list that they were committed to rectifying. The Region C Operations Manager admitted that both parties feel the road is not up to engineering standards.
Community engagement was welcomed by Maseko and Constantia Village Residents Association resident, Malerato Sekga, challenged the entity to collaborate and partner with willing residents. Andreas Oberlectner from Roodekrans Neighbourhood Watch asked about large trucks on William Nicol Street and Doreen Road. Maseko responded that it was the responsibility of law enforcement to prevent trucks using that road. Additionally, Andreas suggested retention fees for installation crews and subcontractors who often leave roads in a state of disrepair.
Many commented on the state of Hendrik Potgieter Road and were reminded that the main arterial falls under the jurisdiction of the Gauteng Provincial Department of Roads and Transport. The provincial entity’s preferred method of reporting potholes is their PotholeFixGP app downloadable from the Google Play Store.
