The City of Johannesburg, under the leadership of Executive Mayor Dada Morero, has officially launched a high-impact road rehabilitation campaign aimed at fixing potholes in the city’s northern suburbs. This initiative forms part of a broader infrastructure overhaul, with an estimated budget of R700 million earmarked for repairing potholes throughout the metro.
Speaking at the official launch of the “War on Potholes” campaign in Hyde Park on Thursday, Morero emphasized the city’s unwavering commitment to restoring the condition of its roads—starting in some of Johannesburg’s most affected areas.
“We’re beginning this project in Region B and Region E, with a particular focus on Ward 90, where we are currently. By mid- to end-August, our goal is to have addressed every pothole in this area,” Morero said.
Morero’s Plan for Region B and Region E
The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA), under the direct guidance of Mayor Morero, has begun on-the-ground work to rehabilitate damaged roads in suburbs such as Hyde Park, Sandton, and surrounding neighborhoods. These regions have long been plagued by deteriorating road surfaces, leading to increased vehicle damage, road hazards, and commuter frustration.
“Our priority is to restore trust in city services,” said Morero. “We are targeting high-traffic areas first, because these are the roads residents use every day. We’re not just reacting to complaints—we’re planning long-term solutions.”
According to Morero, the city has allocated R700 million toward this massive road repair project. The budget includes costs for asphalt, machinery, labor, and inspections. A key part of the funding will also go toward preventive maintenance—ensuring that once roads are fixed, they stay in good condition for years to come.
“Fixing potholes is not just a cosmetic issue—it’s about safety, about saving people money on car repairs, and about supporting local businesses that rely on a smooth transport network,” Morero explained.
Potholes have become a persistent issue across Johannesburg, especially following heavy rains and aging infrastructure. Residents have voiced growing concerns over the lack of maintenance and delays in road repairs. In response, Morero has made this issue a central focus of his administration, recognizing its direct impact on the quality of life for millions of Joburg residents.
“Our roads are the arteries of the city,” Morero said. “If they’re clogged, nothing works efficiently—from emergency services to daily commutes.”
Residents in Ward 90 and surrounding northern suburbs can expect to see repair teams on the ground, working systematically through pothole-prone zones. The JRA will be using state-of-the-art equipment and technology to assess road damage and implement long-lasting solutions. This includes laser mapping of pothole clusters and the use of high-quality, weather-resistant materials.
In addition to physical repairs, Morero’s campaign also includes:
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A pothole-reporting mobile platform, allowing residents to notify the city of road damage in real time
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Public updates via the JRA and city’s social media accounts
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An independent monitoring team to ensure quality assurance
While the current focus is on Regions B and E, Morero confirmed that the pothole repair initiative will soon expand to other parts of Johannesburg. The city plans to roll out a phased approach, prioritizing the worst-affected areas first before moving into suburban and outlying regions.
“Our long-term vision is to make Johannesburg’s roads among the best in the country,” Morero said. “We are starting strong in the north, but this is just the beginning. We will reach every ward.”
Morero also called on residents to play an active role in the campaign’s success. Through community engagement, feedback, and the use of reporting platforms, the mayor hopes to foster a sense of shared responsibility between the city and its residents.
“Fixing the city is a team effort. If residents report issues quickly and accurately, we can respond faster. We are listening, and we are acting,” said Morero.
With Mayor Morero at the helm, Johannesburg is embarking on a transformative infrastructure project that not only aims to repair potholes but also rebuild public trust in the city’s governance. The R700 million investment in roads is more than just a repair job—it’s a statement of intent.
As the campaign progresses through August, all eyes will be on Morero’s team to deliver on their promises. If successful, this “War on Potholes” could mark a turning point in how the city addresses infrastructure issues going forward.
Source- EWN
