Councillor Chris Santana slams JRA over short-term road repairs in Khyber Rock

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20-08-2025
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The Citizen Online
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Ward 106 councillor Chris Santana says skin patching at Althea Avenue & Lincoln Street won’t prevent future damage without a long-term maintenance strategy.

After more than 18 months of increasing road damage and growing public frustration, the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) finally carried out skin patching at the intersection of Althea Avenue and Lincoln Street in Khyber Rock on July 28.

But for local leaders, this short-term fix only underscores a bigger issue: the absence of a long-term road maintenance strategy.

Ward 106 councillor Chris Santana, who has been fielding residents’ complaints for more than a year, said the JRA’s response, though welcome, was not a lasting solution.

“We appreciate the effort, but let’s not pretend this solves the problem,” Santana said. “The road’s surface was visibly deteriorated from prolonged neglect; cracks, potholes, and unsafe driving conditions were standard here.”

While the skin patching helps alleviate immediate safety concerns, Santana warned that the intersection would continue to degrade without preventative maintenance or proper resurfacing.

The situation has been made worse by increased traffic volumes in the area, further accelerating wear and tear on an already compromised road surface.

“There’s no proactive plan,” Santana added. “As councillors, we repeatedly request JRA to provide a preventative maintenance list so we can track and monitor. Unfortunately, it is never forthcoming. As the skin patching is only a temporary solution, ultimately the roads may need to be reconstructed before resurfacing can be done.”

Santana said numerous complaints were escalated by his office and through the Ward 106 Committee, and the urban inspector.

“The community has done its part. They’ve reported, they’ve been patient, and they’ve engaged through all the right channels. Now we need the city to meet us halfway with action and accountability.

“Skin patching is a band-aid on a broken bone. If JRA doesn’t commit to real infrastructure planning, this road will be back where it was in no time.”

The Sandton Chronicle have reached out to JRA for a comment. Updates will be provided once available.