Tsakani residents frustrated by incomplete road and worsening potholes

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19-06-2026
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The Citizen Online
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Skhumbane Street residents say an incomplete road project and blocked storm drain have left them battling potholes, stagnant water and foul odours for years.

Tsakani – The community of Skhumbane Street in Tsakani is calling for urgent intervention as an incomplete road project continues to deteriorate, leaving residents struggling with large potholes, stagnant water and persistent foul odours.

Residents say the road has remained unfinished for more than five years, after construction was allegedly abandoned before completion.

Over time, the lack of maintenance and continuous exposure to rainwater have worsened the road’s condition, making it increasingly difficult and unsafe to use.

A resident, Issac Mkhabela (46), said he has lived in the area for 14 years and has watched the situation worsen over time.

“This road has been almost like this for six to seven years. It is devastating and heartbreaking to live like this. Water and rain keep damaging the road even more,” explained Mkhabela.

Mkhabela also raised concerns about a nearby stormwater drain that he says is frequently blocked and overflowing with waste, contributing further to the problem.

He said that stagnant water from the drain remains on the road for days, creating a foul smell and making the potholes even larger and deeper.

“These potholes pose a danger to motor vehicles. Many cars use alternative routes which are longer just to get to one street.

“We have been waiting for years for the CoE to fix this road. It is frustrating to live in this manner without answers or a way forward,” he said.

Another resident, Thandeka Dlamini (29), said the conditions have also affected daily household life and local business activity.

“We sometimes have to close the doors and windows even when it is hot just to avoid the smell,” she said.

“We own a spaza shop and when there is a lot of water on the road, customers avoid coming.”

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Dlamini added that residents are often forced to wade through dirty water to reach their homes, raising health and safety concerns.

She also highlighted risks for schoolchildren who use the road daily.

“Children walk to and from school, and they have to use this road, which becomes a problem on some days.

“They also need safe spaces to play, but this area is not safe for them,” she said.

Waste and stagnant water causes odour. Photo: Nomsa Ngubeni

She noted that the stagnant water contributes to colder living conditions inside nearby homes and worsens overall discomfort in the area.

“We would really appreciate having this road fixed and the storm drain maintained regularly to avoid blockage,” Dlamini added.

Residents say they have repeatedly raised concerns with authorities and are now appealing for the City of Ekurhuleni to prioritise both the completion of the road and regular maintenance of the drainage system.

An inquiry was sent to the City of Ekurhuleni on June 10, but no response had been received at the time of publication.