Johannesburg Roads Agency commits R2.8b budget to transform ageing infrastructure

Tags

---

25-06-2025
Read : 54 times
Midrand Reporter
Source

Priority areas include Mayibuye, Ivory Park, and Kaalfontein, among others, where the gravel road upgrades, storm water infrastructure, and road network upgrades programmes will be rolled out.

Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) has announced a significant milestone in the city’s commitment to robust infrastructure development, confirming a capital investment of R2.8b over the next three financial years.

This substantial allocation, detailed in the City of Johannesburg’s (CoJ) 2025 budget speech, emphasises a focused effort on enhancing and modernising critical road, storm water, and bridge infrastructure to improve mobility, safety, and support sustainable urban growth.

Some local areas that will benefit from the gravel road upgrades, storm water infrastructure, and road network upgrades programmes include Mayibuye, Ivory Park, and Kaalfontein.

This R2.8b investment forms a cornerstone of the city’s broader R26.2b three-year capital budget. For the immediate 2025/26 financial year, JRA has been allocated a specific budget of R912.81m, which will be strategically utilised across various essential programmes to address the ongoing challenges posed by Johannesburg’s ageing road network.

JRA’s Infrastructure Development Department will continue to showcase its robust capability in executing capital projects, ensuring essential services are delivered by its mandate. Key programmes for the 2025/26 financial year will include the bridge network programme, mobility and traffic solutions, and new road construction.

Commenting on the budget, Zweli Nyathi, CEO of the JRA, stated: “We are profoundly grateful for the significant R2.8b commitment from the CoJ over the next three years, and specifically the R912.81m allocated for the 2025/26 financial year.

“While we acknowledge that the magnitude of our ageing infrastructure requires substantially more investment, every rand allocated will be utilised efficiently and effectively to make a tangible difference in the lives of Johannesburg residents and road users. This budget is a testament to the city’s dedication to building a functional, resilient, and accessible urban environment.”

Echoing this sentiment, MMC for Transport Kenny Kunene added: “JRA’s dedication to fulfilling its mandate is unwavering. This budget, though not fully sufficient to address the vast challenges of our ageing road and storm water networks, provides us with critical resources to continue our essential work.

“We acknowledge the city’s significant road infrastructure backlog of R276b, with R90b needed for the expansive road network, R37b needed for bridge repairs, R144b for catchments, dams, and storm water drainage, and our sidewalks requiring R4b. We appreciate the support and will strive to maximise the impact of these funds on maintaining and developing a safe and efficient road network for all.”

JRA is committed to using public funds transparently and accountably, ensuring that every project contributes to a more sustainable and functional road network for the CoJ. Residents are encouraged to report road and storm water issues through JRA’s official channels to help prioritise interventions.