Lesufi says resources being directed to fixing Gauteng's roads
JOHANNESBURG - At least 65% of the Gauteng government's road network is in a bad state, riddled with potholes and dysfunctional traffic lights.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi announced at a media briefing on Thursday that resources were being directed towards fixing roads.
The province has been working to get its house in order before the G20 Summit is scheduled to sit in Johannesburg in November.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said that of the 4,500 roads under the provincial government's control, only 35% of them were in good condition.
"We have appointed the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to assist us with mapping potholes in the province. According to the latest report from CSIR, our province has 5,400 km of road Infrastructure, comprising 5,000 km of tarred roads and 1,800 km of gravel roads."
Lesufi said that money was being allocated to fix the province's roads.
"To address these challenges, we have allocated R1.5 billion for immediate road repairs and maintenance. Additionally, by the end of 2025, we will take over the coordination of road maintenance programmes currently managed by provinces and municipalities to ensure more efficient service delivery."
Another area of concern that Lesufi has committed to addressing is vandalism of traffic lights, especially in the City of Johannesburg.
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