Johannesburg’s roads are in a very bad condition and they are only getting worse. This is according to results released by the Johannesburg Roads Agency’s (JRA) latest assessment of Joburg’s roads network. 

In comparison to 2013 results, the study indicates that very good and good surfaced roads have decreased from 52% to 45%. Poor and very poor roads have increased from 27% to 32% and 72% of gravel roads are in a poor or very poor condition.

“In terms of engineering standards, the roads condition index across the city has decreased from 89% in 2013 to 64% at present, this indicates a 25% increase in the deterioration of the road network condition,” explains JRA Acting Managing Director, Goodwill Mbatha.

“The study indicates roads are still deteriorating and present funding allocated is inadequate to address the rate of deterioration. Annual budgets therefore, require a greater fiscal investment to reverse the deterioration of roads and ensure a safe road network,” he adds.

Dealing with the billion backlog

According to JRA findings from the lengthy study will inform its budget and planning for the next three years.

JRA’s total capital budget for 2017/2018 is R1 213 million of which R247 million have been allocated towards roads. The allocation is split with R147 million for resurfacing and R100 million for reconstruction.

However, due to historical under-investment in roads prior to 2013 compounded by deterioration as a result of environmental factors such as climatic conditions, increased traffic volume and percentage of heavy duty vehicles, Johannesburg’s road network is at present faced with a R7.1 billion backlog of which road resurfacing requires R4.26 billion and reconstruction R2.84 billion.