Johannesburg Shows Signs of Collapse
Johannesburg, one of South Africa’s economic hubs and one of its most important cities, is showing signs of collapse. The city’s crumbling bridges and deteriorating infrastructure are drawing attention.
There are a total of 902 bridges in Johannesburg, and only 6% of them are in good condition. If South Africa wants to fix this issue, it will need to spend 16 billion Rand. Out of these bridges, 20 are on the brink of closure. The Johannesburg Road Agency (JRA) had previously reported that 707 bridges were below acceptable standards.
Outdated Data and Infrastructure Gaps
The problem is compounded by the fact that this evaluation was based on research conducted in the 2016/17 financial year. At that time, 557 bridges were classified as being in poor condition, and 150 were considered to be in very poor condition.
Since then, due to budget constraints, no comprehensive assessments have been carried out. This data gap excludes 690 culverts in the city, further highlighting the incomplete picture of Johannesburg’s infrastructure health.
Worsening Conditions of Other Infrastructure
The deteriorating bridges are part of a wider issue, reflecting the decline of other critical infrastructure across the city. There are significant problems with the water, electricity, and road systems, which have led to a notable decline in the quality of life for the city’s residents.
Water System Problems
In terms of water infrastructure, Johannesburg has been grappling with burst pipes, outdated pipes, and blockages, resulting in prolonged water shortages. Official reports indicate that nearly 40% of the city’s water is lost through leaks and illegal connections before it even reaches consumers.
Road Network Issues
The road network in Johannesburg is also in a dire state. The streets, particularly in suburban areas, are filled with large potholes. These potholes are so numerous and large that they frequently cause traffic accidents and vehicle damage. Experts estimate that Johannesburg will need 81.5 billion Rand over the next decade to address its road maintenance needs.
Electricity Grid Troubles
Electricity issues are perhaps the most problematic of all. Much of Johannesburg’s electricity grid is over 50 years old, far beyond its intended lifespan, putting the entire system under severe strain. Despite a temporary reprieve from Eskom in the last 10 months, hundreds of residents continue to face power outages.
Mayor Dada Morero’s Response
In an interview with City Press, Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero acknowledged the city’s infrastructure problems and shared his desire to improve service delivery.
He outlined plans to manage the funding shortfall by hiring contractors who would take on projects “at risk,” with payment to be made over time through revenue collection from residents.
Morero also mentioned some progress in improving electricity infrastructure, although he acknowledged that issues like vandalism were exacerbating the problem.
He expressed frustration with the media’s focus on the city’s failures, arguing that significant progress was being made in other areas.
However, he admitted that past mismanagement and irresponsible spending by previous administrations had worsened the situation.
Urgent Need for Solutions
Johannesburg’s infrastructure crisis requires urgent solutions, and the responsibility now lies with the city’s leadership to address these challenges.