Ward 94 councillor fills potholes himself as road infrastructure crumbles under city neglect

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03-12-2025
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Fourways Review
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Councillor David Foley says months-long delays, diverted resources, and outdated road infrastructure are putting motorists at risk in Lonehill.

Ward 94 councillor David Foley has taken matters into his own hands, filling several large potholes with sand along a damaged Lonehill road, after what he describes as months of neglect and diversion of city resources.

Standing beside what he calls a massive crater, Foley said the pothole has remained unrepaired for at least eight months, one of several along the same stretch of road.

Despite repeated service requests, he alleges repairs have been deprioritised due to the City of Johannesburg’s focus on G20-related projects and other vanity projects overseen by the MMC for transport and the mayor.

“Calls have been logged, but the resources are taken from regions like ours and pushed elsewhere. Meanwhile, our residents and ratepayers have to suffer the dangers of breaking a rim or losing a couple of tyres, and, as you know, tyres are very expensive.”

Foley was seen filling the crater with sand as a temporary measure to protect motorists. He then moved to patch a second, equally large pothole. “This is the third one now. I’m putting sand in to ensure the safety of the vehicles in the area.”

He noted that the deteriorating road surface has forced drivers to veer to the side of the road to avoid damage, raising further questions about the state of local infrastructure.

Foley criticised the lack of bulk services, kerbing, and pedestrian walkways, despite the area paying for these when developments were approved. “You’ve got to ask yourself: Where are the bulk services that were paid for by this complex many years ago? There’s no walkway on this side or that side. It’s all just rural at the moment.”

He added that the road was originally designed for 20 houses, but now carries traffic from an estimated 500 homes without any meaningful upgrade.

Roads, such as Robert Bruce Road, Fountain Road, Riverside Road, and Marlbarton Road, were once agricultural routes, servicing a handful of plots, yet remain unchanged despite massive residential growth.

“This whole road network needs to be rebuilt from scratch. We have not kept up with the infrastructure demands that are required in this ward, yet, the ratepayers keep on paying.”

Foley said he will continue applying temporary fixes where necessary, but stressed that long-term, sustainable repairs from the city are urgently needed.

The road agency was contacted for comment, and an update will be provided after received.