R2.8 billion to repair Joburg’s failing roads, flood zones and bridges

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