Urgent repairs needed for Randles Road

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24-01-2025
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Randles Road, a crucial route linking Springfield, Asherville, and Clare Estate, has fallen into a state of severe disrepair, posing safety risks to motorists and impacting access to critical services and has fallen into direpair for several months
Residents have raised concerns about its deteriorating condition, prompting calls for immediate municipal action.

Democratic Alliance Ward 31 councillor Remona McKenzie conducted a road inspection in her ward on Thursday, 16 January, following numerous complaints from motorists and residents shared on various community social media groups.

McKenzie noted that most of the complaints were about Randles Road, one of the busiest streets in the area. Just outside Shifa Lenmed Hospital, a large pothole has been formed due to a persistent water flow originating from the nearby Lacey Road Informal Settlement, as previously reported in the Springfield Weekly Gazette issue of 9 January.

Other affected roads include Hugo and Tills Roads, Bazley Avenue, Centre Street, and Hartley Road in Overport, among others. McKenzie stated that the dire state of these roads requires urgent attention, as they pose significant safety risks to motorists attempting to avoid potholes that could damage their tyres. On Randles Road, some of the potholes have been temporarily filled with rocks and stones to minimise tyre damage.

“In a bid to address one of the region’s most pressing infrastructure issues, I stepped forward to demand immediate repairs to Randles Road. Serving as a vital artery for communities such as Sydenham, Overport, and Musgrave, as well as surrounding areas like Mayville and Westville, the road has deteriorated to dangerous levels, prompting a call for its urgent prioritisation in the 2025 municipal budget,” said McKenzie.

Councillor McKenzie has been unrelenting in her efforts to highlight the municipality’s failure to deliver on promises regarding Randles Road. Speaking on behalf of her constituents, she emphasised the road’s strategic importance, not just as a transport link but as a lifeline for emergency services.

“This road is a lifeline for residents and critical services like ambulances heading to nearby hospitals. It’s in a shocking state of disrepair, and this has gone on for too long. We need action now—not in 2026 or 2027,” she said.
McKenzie also criticised the municipality for repeated delays and excuses about funding shortages.

“The municipality needs to make this project a capital priority. Every year we wait, the costs rise, and the road deteriorates further. This isn’t just a budget issue—it’s about people’s safety and quality of life.”

The project’s cost, estimated at R129 million, continues to escalate due to inflation and prolonged neglect. McKenzie raised concerns that further delays will make the project even more expensive and challenging to implement.

“We’ve already seen the cost skyrocket over the years. This is a clear case of the municipality failing to plan effectively. By acting now, we can save money and lives.”

Residents of Overport and Musgrave have rallied behind McKenzie’s campaign, signing petitions and voicing their frustration over the municipality’s inaction. The road’s poor condition has made commuting hazardous and inconvenient, impacting families, businesses, and essential services alike.

“Randles Road serves thousands of residents daily. It’s close to hospitals, schools, and essential services, and it’s unacceptable that it’s been allowed to reach this state of disrepair. This issue affects everyone in our community,” McKenzie added.

As part of her efforts, McKenzie has pushed for greater transparency from municipal authorities. She has called for detailed timelines, budget commitments, and interim measures to address safety concerns while full repairs are planned.

“We’ve taken this issue to the NG Department and the city manager, and the community has made their voices clear. Now it’s time for the municipality to follow through. We cannot allow another year of excuses and inaction,” McKenzie concluded.