Latest news with #JRA
The South African
9 hours ago
- Automotive
- The South African
Repairs to the worst road in Randburg slammed as a 'patch job'
The long-awaited repairs to CR Swart Drive in Boskruin, Randburg have left residents and motorists less than impressed. Instead of a much-needed road resurfacing, the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) again opted for a series of pothole fillers. Locals are calling it a band-aid solution to what they believe is a chronic and worsening problem, writes the Randburg Sun . In April, the community paper published a video on its socials showing what a leisurely drive down CS Swart Drive looks like. Sub-titled the 'worst pothole-ridden road in Randburg,' the footage offered a sobering glimpse at this neglected stretch of tarmac. For years, CR Swart Drive has become a nightmare for daily commuters. Deep potholes, flooding, and a crumbling surface has forced drivers to veer dangerously into a single lane, creating major traffic congestion during peak hours. The road's deterioration highlights a broader, ongoing problem in Johannesburg – the steady decline of the city's aging and poorly-maintained infrastructure. Though CR Swart Drive has now been reopened, residents say little has improved. 'JRA needs to find a permanent solution when it comes to fixing the potholes on CR Swart Drive,' said Ward 101 councillor Ralf Bittkau. '[The holes] keep on resurfacing and that takes them back to square one.' The JRA meanwhile has pointed out that pothole repair is prioritised according to the degree and extent of the damage to the street surface. They attributed CR Swart Drive's deterioration to ongoing heavy rains. This has been compounded by a leaking water main that continues to weaken the road. 'We also give priority to major roads and those near public spaces like schools,' added JRA's Head of Department for Regional Operations, Khaya Gqibitole. 'Our team has completed the repairs on CR Swart Drive, and our goal is to continually improve turnaround times and the durability of repairs.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Japan Forward
4 days ago
- Sport
- Japan Forward
Tokyo Yushun: Race Favorite Croix du Nord Delivers Impressive Victory
Guided by jockey Yuichi Kitamura, the Kitasan Black offspring maintained a fast pace throughout the 92nd Tokyo Yushun and finished strong to secure the win. Croix du Nord, piloted by Yuichi Kitamura, wins the 92nd Tokyo Yushun on June 1, 2025, at Tokyo Racecourse. (©SANKEI) Odds-on favorite Croix du Nord validated his Hopeful Stakes (G1, 2,000 meters) victory in December 2024 by winning the 92nd Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) by three-quarters of a length on Sunday, June 1. The son of Kitasan Black had three wins in as many starts last year and kicked off the 2025 racing campaign with the Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000, Guineas, G1, 2,000 meters) on April 20 as the heavy favorite. In that race, Croix du Nord had to settle for second, 1½ lengths behind Museum Mile. On Sunday at Tokyo Racecourse, trainer Takashi Saito and jockey Yuichi Kitamura both claimed their first Japan Racing Association G1 title since the 2024 Hopeful Stakes with this colt. It was Saito's ninth overall G1 win and Kitamura's seventh. While it was their first Classic title for both the trainer and jockey, owner Sunday Racing notched its fifth Japanese Derby victory — renewing the JRA record for most Derby titles won. The 92nd running of the Tokyo Yushun at Tokyo Racecourse. (©SANKEI) Croix du Nord broke smoothly from stall 13, shifted closer to the inside and secured a prominent position around third or fourth behind Satono Shining (Yutaka Take's ride), who was rushed to the front in his bid to lead the 18-horse field. He then gave way to Ho O Atman (Hironobu Tanabe) soon after as a pacesetter entering the backstretch. Kitamura kept his mount in good rhythm as Ho O Atman increased his lead from the rest of the field by almost 10 lengths. The 2,400-meter race began in earnest as the leader weakened 300 meters out. At that point, Croix du Nord came powerfully up the center lane to duel with Satono Shining. Croix du Nord then pulled away from Satono Shining at the furlong pole while holding off a powerful chase by runner-up Masquerade Ball (Ryusei Sakai) and third-place finisher Shohei (Christophe Lemaire) to earn a three-quarter length victory. ( Watch the full race on the JRA's YouTube channel. ) Winning jockey Yuichi Kitamura (©SANKEI) "I felt it was my responsibility to make Croix du Nord a Derby winner ever since the colt won the Hopeful Stakes. So my feeling now is that I am relieved to have accomplished my mission," Kitamura said after the race. "The whole process since the win last year, including our runner-up effort in the Satsuki Sho, was a meaningful and precious learning experience for me." Added Kitamura, "The colt felt great today and I was able to come into the race with every confidence, so victory itself came as no surprise to me." How did the race unfold? "The break was smooth and after that, I was concentrating on keeping him in a comfortable rhythm more so than what position he was sitting in," said Kitamura. "In the stretch run, he responded really well and as I've said, I had every confidence in the colt and drove him on believing that he would make it to the wire a winner." The start of the 92nd Tokyo Yushun. (©SANKEI) Masquerade Ball secured a comfortable position in mid-field with a close view of the race favorite and eventual winner, running a few lengths in front. Giving the colt a breather along the backstretch before edging closer along the outside approaching the last two turns, Sakai guided the colt further out for a clear run into the stretch where the son of Duramente turned in a terrific turn of foot. He closed in on the eventual winner while overtaking both Shohei and Satono Shining to secure second place, although just short of reaching the winner. Shohei made use of an inside break to sit close to the pace while saving ground along the rails before shifting out slightly coming into the straight to follow the eventual winner. And while unable to match that foe, Shohei ran gamely to overtake Satono Shining in the last strides to secure third place. Satono Shining finished fourth, a neck's length behind Shohei. Eighth pick Eri King (Yuga Kawada) and second favorite Museum Mile (Damian Lane) placed fifth and sixth, respectively. The 75th Yasuda Kinen is the JRA's next G1 race on Sunday, June 8 at Tokyo Racecourse. Read the full report , including details on each of the Tokyo Yushun entrants, on JRA News. Author: JRA News
The Citizen
28-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Let's fix Craighall Park's storm-damaged Blue Bridge
In February, JRA needed R16 billion to fix bridges. This is way beyond the R8.49 billion capital expenditure budget for the entire city. With so much infrastructure that needs fixing, the Joburg Road Agency (JRA) has unsurprisingly not rushed to repair the storm-damaged Blue Bridge across the Braamfontein Spruit in Craighall Park. The delay is seriously affecting a wide Delta Park community. After floodwaters bashed the footbridge on the night of 5 March, I asked for emergency funding. Although the bridge was officially closed on 7 March, it's still in use. So, too, are nearby makeshift crossings where folk put their lives in danger. Before 2006, there was no bridge here. It was dangerous. Jennifer Manale, 36, drowned after being swept away while trying to cross upstream from the Blue Bridge in 2004. Her body was recovered 15km downstream. Hence the original motivation for the bridge was a 'safe crossing for domestic workers'. It's still a major thoroughfare for countless pedestrian commuters but the existence of the bridge has vastly increased business and recreational activities in the area. ALSO READ: Who do you trust? The crisis of media credibility Jozi Trail cyclists and Park Runners use it, alongside dog walkers, horse riders and many others who enjoy this great green lung in the northern suburbs. Businesses large and small are affected by the closure. These include cafés, stables, a trader who sells blankets and dogs' beds, a dealer in artefacts made from wire and beads; an artist selling paintings, and a mobile coffee truck frequented by walker President Cyril Ramaphosa. Is there anything that makes the pedestrian Blue Bridge more worthy of attention than the 700 or so other Joburg bridges reportedly in poor condition? Perhaps. A month before flooding, JRA told Rapport that 20 city bridges were on the verge of closure. The Blue Bridge may be slightly ahead of the curve: it is officially closed. But that doesn't mean JRA can or will allocate money. In February, JRA needed R16 billion to fix existing bridges. This is way beyond the R8.49 billion capital expenditure budget for the entire city, of which JRA is allocated R1.027 billion. There is another possible source of funding. ALSO READ: Broken promises and failing services are sinking Joburg In a letter to JRA's acting chief executive, the DA's Sandton constituency political head, MP Leah Potgieter, said funds were available under a national disaster classification published in the Government Gazette on 7 March this year, in terms of the Disaster Management Act. She said the severe weather that contributed to the bridge damage 'is explicitly included in this classification and Gauteng is among the provinces covered. 'This enables access to national disaster relief funds and mandates coordination across all spheres of government to implement recovery measures, including for infrastructure like the Blue Bridge.' Private businesses are also offering to help – financially and with professional expertise – to fix the bridge. I am questioned daily by residents, business and community leaders about progress. Today, 12 weeks since the storm damage, there is still no sign of JRA's structural assessment report. No work can be done here without approval from JRA and, possibly, from higher authorities, depending on the nature of the tasks. To nudge this process along, we have launched a petition to fix the Blue Bridge. It's on the Ward 90 Johannesburg Facebook page, or on X @marttwit. NOW READ: Joburg can only be saved by fair municipal elections
Japan Forward
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Japan Forward
Yushun Himba: Kamunyak Snatches the 2nd Jewel of the Fillies' Triple Crown
German jockey Andrasch Starke, who made his JRA G1 debut in 1997 captured his long-awaited first G1 victory in the 86th running of the Yushun Himba. Kamunyak (15), ridden by Andrasch Starke, competes in the Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks) en route to a narrow victory over Arma Veloce on May 25, 2025, at Tokyo Racecourse. (©SANKEI) Fourth favorite Kamunyak used a powerful closing kick from behind to win the Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks), the second jewel of the Fillies' Triple Crown, on Sunday, May 25. It was her second graded and first G1 victory. The great grandchild of 1995 Japanese Oaks victor Dance Partner, Kamunyak broke her maiden in her debut start (Chukyo, 2,000 meters) in August 2024. After a fourth-place finish in the Elfin Stakes (Kyoto, Listed, 1,600 meters) in February, the Black Tide filly claimed the Flora Stakes (Tokyo, G2, 2,000 meters) on April 27, earning the ticket to her first Classics' challenge. Trainer Yasuo Tomomichi pocketed his first Oaks victory and 23rd Japan Racing Association G1 title. Jockey Andrasch Starke, who has been riding under a short-term license since March 9, landed his much-awaited JRA G1 title in his 25th challenge at that level — his first was in the 1997 Japan Cup (Caitano, fourth place). The German jockey celebrates the milestone in becoming the oldest Oaks-winning jockey at the age of 51 years, 4 months and 22 days. Kamunyak (15) closes in on a victory in the 86th Yushun Himba. (©SANKEI) At Tokyo Racecourse, breaking from stall No 15, Kamunyak was reserved in mid-division but dropped back a bit, turning the last corners before making a wide sweeping move into the straight. The daughter of Black Tide began to uncoil an impressive run from there. She drew even with Arma Veloce (jockey Mirai Iwata's ride) 200 meters out. Then, with another gear, she dug in well in the last strides to notch the title. ( Watch the full race on the JRA's YouTube channel. ) "The pace was not so fast in the second half of the race and before the homestretch, I moved to the outside where she responded very well," Starke said after the 2,400-meter race. "She's an amazing horse — she just won four weeks ago. "It was important that she was very relaxed today, she put in a sound performance and her ability was amazing." Winning jockey Andrasch Starke (©SANKEI) Starke then spoke about his thrilling achievement on Sunday. "For me, it has been a dream to win a G1 race in Japan and I have no words," Starke commented. "My dream came true." The 86th running of the Yushun Himba, also known as the Japanese Oaks. (©SANKEI) Looking to turn the tables this time, Oka Sho (Japanese 1000 Guineas) runner-up Arma Veloce broke smoothly from the innermost stall and sat on the rails in tandem with Oka Sho winner Embroidery (Christophe Lemaire) up to the final corner. After launching her bid and splitting horses before the 200-meter pole to emerge as the leader, the 2024 Best Two-Year-Old Filly was soon caught by the eventual winner and rallied in the deep stretch. Arma Veloce put up a stubborn fight but surrendered the win at the wire by a head. And she was forced to settle for second place once again. Tenth choice Tagano Abby (Yusuke Fujioka) was off slow and unhurried trailing in the far rear of the 18-horse field. While most of the runners fanned out at the last turn, the chestnut filly smoothly took an inner route in the stretch, launching the fastest drive over the last three furlongs (33.5 seconds). She ran strongly to place third, finishing 1¼ lengths behind the runner-up. Paradis Reine (Yuji Tannai) was fourth, missing out on third place by a neck's length. Lynx Tip (Mirco Demuro) finished fifth. After a good break, race favorite Embroidery was eased back to settle between horses in seventh to eighth from the front. But after hitting the straight in a good striking position, the Oka Sho victor came out of the uphill climb with nothing left and placed a disappointing ninth. The Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) is the JRA's next G1 race on June 1 at Tokyo Racecourse. Read the full report , including details on each of the Yushun Himba entrants, on JRA News. Author: JRA News
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Former U.S. Rep. Mark Critz selected as JRA's next executive director
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – Former U.S. Rep. Mark Critz will soon begin a new role in his lengthy public service career as executive director of the Johnstown Redevelopment Authority. JRA board members Chairman Mark Pasquerilla, Vice Chairman Richard Truscello, Bruce Haselrig and Sherri Rae approved hiring Critz for the position during a regular monthly meeting Tuesday. Laura Huchel was absent from the meeting and vote as she was busy campaigning in her race for Johnstown mayor on Election Day. 'When I saw this come up, I thought, 'You know, I'm getting up in years, and this is a place where I can finish my career and do something really strong for my hometown,'' said Critz, 63. 'Sometimes things – you want to call it 'providence' or whatever – this happened. And I thought, 'Mark, this is for you. Get in there and do what you can for the city.' ' Critz currently works as the western regional director of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and executive director of the state's Rural Development Council. He is scheduled to begin as JRA's director June 30. 'I have a lot of obligations at the state for my bosses that I'm intertwined and entangled in that we have to unwind over the next six weeks or so,' Critz said. Critz was selected to succeed former Executive Director Melissa Komar, who resigned effective April 4 to take a job in the private sector. 'I think he's really qualified,' Pasquerilla said. 'Besides being a congressman himself, he was (the late U.S. Rep. John) Murtha's district director, which is a pretty big deal. His work for the state has been, I think, stellar. He has a lot of contacts in the state, so he kind of has that two lives. "I think he's going to be a good addition. We had a great director with Melissa Komar, but I think he's fit for this job. He's a Moxham resident and he wants to make a difference here in Johnstown. I'm very pleased about it.' Along with Critz's hiring, the board promoted Finance Director Cheryl Labosky to the position of deputy executive director/finance director. 'I look forward to the opportunity to work with Mark Critz in the next chapter of the authority,' said Labosky, who has been with the JRA for 11 years. 'I appreciate the continued support of our partners and stakeholders as we move forward together. I look forward to working with Mark and our dedicated team.' Together, Critz, Labosky and other JRA members will continue ongoing efforts on numerous projects, including the regional sewer system and land bank. A few of the major initiatives were updated during Tuesday's meeting. The board approved awarding a $1,271,070.24 contract to A. Liberoni Co. for the construction of a connector road for the Johnstown Urban Industrial Park that will be located in the Minersville neighborhood. The authority also voted to accept a $200,000 state grant for environmental cleanup at the former Cambria-Rowe Business College building, located at 221 Central Ave. in Moxham.
