By Johnathan Paoli
The City of Johannesburg is set to embark on an ambitious infrastructure transformation programme with a capital allocation of R2.8 billion over the next three financial years, aiming to tackle the city’s ailing road, stormwater and bridge infrastructure.
The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) confirmed on Tuesday that R912.81 million will be rolled out for the 2025/26 financial year, marking the first phase of this long-term urban development investment.
“This substantial allocation, as outlined in the City of Johannesburg’s 2025 Budget Speech, underscores a dedicated focus on enhancing and modernising critical road, stormwater, and bridge infrastructure to improve mobility, safety, and foster sustainable urban growth,” the agency said.
The announcement follows the presentation of the City of Johannesburg’s 2025 Budget Speech, which set aside a R26.2 billion capital expenditure budget over three years for citywide development.
With JRA’s allocation being the third-largest behind Johannesburg Water and City Power, the agency will focus its resources on key infrastructure initiatives to enhance mobility, improve safety, and promote economic access across the metro.
According to JRA CEO Zweli Nyathi, the 2025/26 budget will be deployed across six priority areas.
In terms of road network upgrades and with a R149 million allocation, the city-wide resurfacing programme will go beyond basic pothole repairs.
This includes the reconstruction and rehabilitation of high-traffic corridors that link townships to economic hubs.
Notable projects include upgrades in Ward 17 (Kliptown to Eldorado Park), Lord Khanyisile Road, London Road in Alexandra, and key freeways like the M1, M2, and Soweto Highway.
Secondly, stormwater infrastructure will be expanded with R189 million going toward flood mitigation efforts, particularly in vulnerable areas such as Orange Farm, Ivory Park, Braamfischerville, Protea Glen, and Kliptown.
Interventions will include converting open drains to underground channels, rehabilitating existing infrastructure, and constructing new stormwater catchments.
Thirdly, the city will invest R152 million into bridge network rehabilitation by restoring critical bridges to ensure safety and community connectivity.
Priority projects include the Sjampagne Bridge, Elias Motsoaledi Bridge, Moroka Nancefield Road Bridge, FNB Stadium Bridge, Lenasia Bridge, and the New Naledi Bridge.
Fourthly, part of the budget will go to traffic signal and mobility solutions via a R60 million injection to be used to combat traffic signal downtime, implement Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), and make geometric road improvements.
Target areas include Winnie Mandela Drive, Hendrik Potgieter Road, Malibongwe Drive, Chris Hani Road, and Ontdekkers Road.
Fifthly, gravel road upgrades will be facilitated by the city continuing to convert gravel roads into surfaced routes in underserved areas such as Kaalfontein, Orange Farm, Tshepisong, Diepsloot, and Mayibuye, improving access and living conditions.
These projects will include associated stormwater infrastructure.
Lastly, in terms of new road construction, despite funding details for new roads not being itemized yet, the JRA confirmed that strategic new routes would be developed to relieve congestion and expand the urban transport network.
Despite the promising investment, city officials acknowledged the allocation barely scratches the surface of Johannesburg’s infrastructure needs.
According to Transport MMC Kenny Kunene, the city faces a staggering R276 billion backlog in road-related infrastructure including R90 billion needed to upgrade and expand the road network; R37 billion required for bridge repairs; R144 billion for stormwater catchments and drainage systems; and R4 billion for sidewalk upgrades.
“This R2.8 billion investment is a significant step forward, but it represents just 1% of what’s needed to restore our infrastructure fully. Nonetheless, these funds are critical to addressing the most urgent problems in our road network,” Kunene said.
Nyathi echoed these concerns but stressed the JRA’s commitment to efficient and transparent use of public funds.
“Every rand will be spent where it’s needed most. We understand the challenges, and we are determined to show real, visible impact with this budget,” the CEO said.
The JRA’s R2.8 billion allocation over three years is part of a broader municipal capital strategy, where Johannesburg Water received R5.6 billion and City Power received R4.6 billion.
The capital budget is largely funded through national treasury transfers (41.8%) and external loans (40.2%), with only 7.5% generated through municipal revenue.
Despite these fiscal constraints, the city has prioritised road infrastructure as a key enabler of economic growth and service delivery.
The investment is seen as a pivotal move to reverse years of underfunding and neglect, particularly in townships and informal settlements.
The JRA has urged Johannesburg residents to report road and stormwater faults using its official platforms to help prioritise interventions.
The agency assured citizens of continued transparency and public engagement throughout the implementation period.
As implementation begins in July, residents across Johannesburg will be watching closely to see if this latest promise turns into progress.
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