What was once a dusty, uneven ride through the streets of Vlakfontein is now a smooth and safe journey, thanks to a major road upgrade led by the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) in partnership with the City of Johannesburg’s Human Settlements Department.
Executive Mayor Cllr Dada Morero said the project went beyond tar and drainage. “This is more than just a road upgrade; it’s a fundamental investment in the quality of life for our residents. By working across departments, we are proving what’s possible when we prioritise service delivery. Better mobility, enhanced safety, and restored dignity are what this community deserves, and this project is a model we aim to replicate across the city.”
The R20 million development upgraded over 650 metres of gravel road into tarred, stormwater-managed streets in Vlakfontein, Region G. Kgalawu Consulting was appointed to design and supervise the civil engineering work. The eight-month project transformed Eagle Crescent (250 metres) and Falcon Crescent (403 metres), previously almost impassable during rainy weather. Today, residents enjoy safer, accessible roads with no mud and no potholes.
“Providing safe and well-planned communities is at the heart of our mission,” said MMC for Human Settlements, Cllr Mlungisi Mabaso. “Upgrading these roads and installing proper drainage directly addresses daily challenges. It’s about building resilient, connected neighbourhoods where people can thrive.”
The project’s scope included wide two-metre sidewalks, a new stormwater system, more than 700 metres of drainage pipes, and subsoil drainage to protect homes from water damage.
Its benefits stretched beyond infrastructure. Forty-one community members were employed during construction, while seven local SMMEs were subcontracted. A Community Liaison Officer kept residents informed and involved, ensuring the project met local needs.
JRA CEO Zweli Nyathi emphasised the project’s impact: “Our mandate is to deliver quality, sustainable road infrastructure. The new stormwater system will protect the community from flooding, while the tarred surfaces and sidewalks will provide safer, more reliable access for motorists and pedestrians alike.”
The completion of this project signals the City of Johannesburg’s commitment to delivering better roads, better services, and a better life for residents. For the people of Vlakfontein, these new roads are more than an upgrade—they are a symbol of hope and progress.
Written by Sascha-Lee Joseph
23/09/2025