07-05-2025
Rain makes life hard at JRA's pothole pains persist
Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) continues its daily battle with the city's pothole problem, citing persistent rain and uncontrolled water flows as key barriers to swift repairs. Speaking on the matter, head of department for regional operations Khaya Gqibitole said that pothole inspections and repairs are part of a continuous process, but certain conditions slow down the response rate.
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'JRA conducts daily inspections across the entire road network it manages. Identified defects, including potholes, are then added to weekly operational schedules at maintenance depots. So, potholes are attended to as and when they appear,' Gqibitole explained.
However, the challenge is compounded by external factors, especially weather conditions and infrastructure decay. 'Persistent rainfalls and uncontrolled water – either grey or green – flowing across road surfaces makes it difficult to resolve potholes as quickly as JRA would like. This is because asphalt-related activities can only be done under dry conditions,' he said.
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According to Gqibitole, aging infrastructure across Johannesburg contributes to the recurring pothole problem. 'All JRA roads that require rehabilitation and resurfacing are prone to developing potholes. It's an issue of structural fatigue over time.'
While potholes affect roads across the metro, Gqibitole did not single out specific routes, saying the problem is widespread and affects any road with deteriorating surfaces. He also urged drivers to exercise caution, especially during rainy conditions, when potholes are more difficult to see and avoid.
'Reduce speed to minimise damage to your vehicle should you drive into a pothole. Avoid puddles as they may be rainwater-filled potholes. Keep a safe following distance to react to potholes in front of you. Refrain from swerving abruptly as this can lead to losing control of your vehicle. Avoid hard braking as this can destabilise your vehicle,' Gqibitole advised.
JRA continues to encourage residents to report potholes using its various available channels, noting that community feedback plays an essential role in speeding up maintenance operations.
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