JRA shifts gears to rapid road repairs under Operation Restore

Tags

---

27-02-2026
Read : 17 times
Joburg.org.za
Source

​The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) has intensified service delivery across the City through Operation Restore, a citywide drive to rehabilitate deteriorating roads and restore public confidence in municipal infrastructure. Backed by renewed asphalt production capacity and hands-on leadership, the programme is now delivering visible, on-the-ground impact in communities including Eldorado Park and Ennerdale.

Momentum increased in January 2026 after JRA confirmed that its asphalt plant was fully operational following completion of a critical annual maintenance programme. The high-duty plant, which produces hot mix asphalt for road repairs, underwent preventative engineering work to stabilise output and reduce the risk of breakdowns during the financial year.

JRA Chief Executive Officer Zweli Nyathi said the intervention has positioned the agency for a more aggressive delivery phase in 2026. “The successful completion of this maintenance programme gives us a stable and reliable production platform. It ensures we can intensify delivery, limit downtime and supply our regional teams with the hot mix asphalt required to fix the City’s roads, particularly during the rainy season.”

With production restored, JRA officially launched the 2026 rollout of Operation Restore on 22 January in Eldorado Park, covering wards 17 and 18. The launch was led by Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Transport Cllr Kenny Kunene and Nyathi.

Teams conducted detailed road inspections to identify structural defects, undertook deep patching of compromised sections, repaired potholes, resurfaced where necessary, repainted road markings and cleared blocked stormwater kerb inlets to reduce flooding during heavy summer rains.

MMC Kunene said the programme prioritises high-usage arterials – Class 1 to Class 3 roads critical to the city’s economy – while also addressing long-standing resident complaints.

“We are moving decisively from planning to rapid production and repairs. Through Operation Restore, we are prioritising key economic corridors and clearing backlogs worsened by recent heavy rains. Our residents deserve quality roads, and this rollout reflects our commitment to service delivery,” he said.

On 10 February 2026, the operation extended to Ennerdale in Region G, covering wards 7 and 121. MMC Kunene was joined by JRA Chief Financial Officer Lufuno Mashau to lead a focused service delivery blitz aimed at improving road safety and quality.

Teams carried out pothole repairs, deep patching, repainting of faded road markings and clearing of blocked drains and pipes to mitigate flooding and prevent water encroachment into homes.