Johannesburg Roads Agency races to repair sinkhole on Oxford Road in Saxonwold

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07-02-2025
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Rosebank Killarney Gazette
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JRA said the repairs on the sinkhole on Oxford and Cotswold roads in Saxonwold should be completed within two weeks, subject to favourable conditions.

Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) is working around the clock to repair a sinkhole on busy Oxford and Cotswold roads in Saxonwold.

The publication reached out to JRA on February 3 to find out what caused the sinkhole, and how long it would take to repair.

Read more: JRA partners with JMPD to confront vandalised traffic lights and frequent power outages

Head of department for regional operations Khaya Gqibitole explained: “The sinkhole was caused by dislodged double barrel storm water pipes. The dislodged section of the pipes has resulted in debris accumulation inside the pipes, which led to the blockage of the system and subsequently a sinkhole formation at the corner of Cotswold and Oxford roads.”

Gqibitole added that repair work was still in progress. The storm water pipes are clogged up with debris and a JRA team is currently clearing them.

He noted that there was also an excavated section where the team was aligning the miss-aligned double barrel storm water pipes. “JRA is working around the clock to ensure repairs are finalised within two weeks, subject to favourable ground and weather conditions.”

Not only is JRA responsible for roads and storm water infrastructure; it is also responsible for street lighting, traffic signals, and road markings.

According to the City of Johannesburg website, JRA is responsible for:

• 7 224km of roads.
• 3 943km of storm water drains.
• 320 bridges.
• 7 100km of footpaths.
• 129 000 street lights.
• 1 561 traffic light installations.
• 12 551km of curbing.