By Loxion News | Johannesburg
Concerns are mounting over the effectiveness of pothole repairs in Johannesburg, with calls for the Metro to abandon temporary patchwork solutions in favour of long-term road maintenance strategies.
This follows criticism from Freedom Front Plus councillor Franco de Lange, who argues that current repair methods are costing the city more in the long run.
Millions Spent, But Roads Still Deteriorating
According to figures from the City of Johannesburg Department of Transport, fixing a single pothole costs between R700 and R1,500.
The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA), which manages a road network of over 13,500 kilometres, reported that 23,572 potholes were logged between July and December 2025.
While the agency claims to have repaired over 20,000 potholes, many motorists say the fixes are short-lived, with potholes reappearing within months.
“Quick Fixes” Under Fire
De Lange has criticised the current approach of simply patching potholes, describing it as unsustainable and wasteful.
He argues that proper road repair methods—such as excavation, compaction, and resurfacing of entire sections—would provide longer-lasting results and reduce repeated maintenance costs.
“Quick fixes do not last, as water seepage and continuous traffic quickly cause damage again,” he said.
Budget Concerns and Resource Allocation
The City has allocated R149 million for pothole repairs in the 2025/2026 financial year. However, the Freedom Front Plus believes the issue lies not in the size of the budget, but in how it is spent.
The party claims that poor repair standards and misallocation of resources are driving repeated expenditure, rather than delivering sustainable improvements.
Proposed Solutions
To address the ongoing problem, the Freedom Front Plus has proposed two key interventions:
- Shift from temporary patching to durable, long-term road reconstruction
- Ensure that a portion of property rates collected in each ward is reinvested locally into infrastructure maintenance
Political Pressure on the Metro
The party has also criticised the ANC-led coalition government, calling for more equitable and transparent allocation of resources across all communities.
According to De Lange, it is unfair that taxpayers continue to endure deteriorating roads while their contributions may be directed elsewhere.
Accountability Ahead of Elections
The Freedom Front Plus has pledged to continue holding the current administration accountable, positioning itself as an alternative ahead of upcoming municipal elections.
The ongoing pothole crisis remains a key issue for residents, with road conditions impacting daily commutes, vehicle maintenance costs, and overall service delivery satisfaction.
