JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG – In a major enforcement operation to address severe urban decay and safety hazards, illegal structures have been demolished near Joburg bridges along the critical M1 and M2 corridors. The demolitions follow urgent oversight inspections conducted by city transport and roads officials to assess the deteriorating state of the city’s vital infrastructure.
Johannesburg Transport MMC Kenny Kunene and Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) CEO Zweli Nyathi led the inspection teams, identifying makeshift structures that pose direct structural threats to the bridges. City officials have pointed to rampant illegal sand mining and widespread vandalism as the primary culprits behind the terrible state of the infrastructure.
Highlighting the financial strain on the agency, Nyathi emphasized that the JRA requires increased funding to effectively deliver basic services and restore the transport network. He noted that vandalism is on the rise, often undoing recent repair work as quickly as it is completed. To combat this, the JRA is developing a comprehensive master plan to target infrastructure in crisis and is utilizing robust reporting mechanisms to formally request additional budget allocations at the city level.
Addressing the broader challenges, Kunene described governance issues relating to budget constraints, political interference, and lawlessness as “thorny issues” hindering service delivery. When questioned about whether the high-profile oversight visits were a genuine service delivery program or a campaign tactic for the upcoming local government elections, Kunene firmly denied any electioneering motives. He stated that he has been conducting such media tours of various bridges since 2023 purely as part of his official duties.
During the address, Kunene also directed sharp political criticism at the Democratic Alliance (DA). Referring to Helen Zille as the “slave queen of politics,” he blamed the opposition for the collapse and vandalism of several Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) stations during their tenure in power.
Kunene claimed that upon taking over from former ActionSA figure Funzi Ngobeni, he successfully repaired the vandalized BRT stations at North, Bosmont, and Riverlea. He also addressed the Westbury station, explaining that it remained unfixed because the national minister had reallocated the budget, but assured residents that repairs are forthcoming.
Despite the political friction and financial hurdles, both officials maintained that the primary focus of the M1 and M2 bridge operation remains the restoration of safe, functional infrastructure for the residents of Johannesburg.
