Tired of waiting on help that never comes, residents of Lenasia South have taken matters into their own hands-patching potholes and repairing Lancaster, Liverpool and surrounding areas without any help from the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA).
The latest round of repairs got underway this morning, thanks to a community-powered drive led by Joy Govender, who serves on the Ward Committee for Infrastructure and the owner of J J J Cleaning Services and local business owner Naven Govender from Govender’s Offals.
Joy told GLOBE POST: “We started collecting bags of tar about a week and a half ago. Each household contributes one bag, which costs R100. Our goal is to raise R10 000 to fix Liverpool Street and nearby roads. So far, a portion of tar has already been bought and laid. Work is in progress, and residents are still chipping in to meet the target.”
Joy says she and other community members have repeatedly logged calls with JRA- but those pleas have fallen on deaf ears.
“JRA has been absent, despite multiple service requests from myself and other residents. We’re being ignored while our cars get wrecked and the potholes remain a serious danger to both motorists and pedestrians. Rainy days are a nightmare for everyone.”
This grassroots effort is part of a broader trend across Gauteng, where communities- fed up with delays and deteriorating infrastructure-are stepping in to solve problems themselves. From pothole patching to drainage clearing, residents are refusing to wait for change.
In Liverpool Street, this morning’s repairs were more than just a fix-they were a statement. The people are leading where the City has failed.
To support this initiative or contribute a bag of tar for the broader Lenasia South repairs, please all Joy Govender on 072 214 4087.
