Road Restored, Borehole Drilled, and Blockages Cleared: JB Marks Service Delivery Update
- Karen Scheepers
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
Municipal service delivery in JB Marks has once again come under the spotlight with a progress report released over the weekend. The update highlights completed roadwork, water sustainability projects, and sanitation interventions, while also flagging critical challenges and missing departmental reports.
Roadworks: Full Restoration on Walter Sisulu Street
One of the most visible achievements came from the Roads and Stormwater Unit, which completed a full restoration of Walter Sisulu Street between the Absa branch and PG Glass. The project included not only road resurfacing but also rehabilitation of parking areas previously affected by trenching from water and sanitation works.
The team also identified and secured a sinking hole during operations, immediately reporting the hazard for specialist intervention. Safety barriers remain in place as materials for permanent repairs are awaited. According to municipal impact metrics, 1.2 kilometers of road were fully restored in this project alone.
Water Services: Borehole Installation in Matlwang Village
In the rural areas, attention turned to long-term water supply solutions. A borehole was successfully installed in Matlwang Village, marking a step toward sustainable water access. The initiative is presented as part of a broader strategy to reduce reliance on limited municipal water infrastructure.
Officials framed the project as more than just drilling, but as an effort to create “water independence” for the community. Borehole operations are set to continue, ensuring residents have a reliable alternative source.
Sanitation: Clearing Blockages Across Critical Facilities
The sanitation teams worked extensively to ensure public health facilities and community spaces remained operational.
Boiki Tlhapi Clinic: Mainline unblocked to prevent disruptions to healthcare services.
Promosa Stadium: Blockage cleared to avoid potential sanitation hazards during public events.
Sonderwater, Promosa, and Other Areas: Additional blockages addressed with the assistance of jetting machines and manual teams.
In total, seven sewage blockages were reported cleared across different neighbourhoods. Supervisors emphasised that these efforts were directly linked to preventing health risks and ensuring that clinics, homes, and stadiums could function without sanitation interruptions.
Yellow Fleet: Clarification Needed
The report also noted an accountability concern involving the Yellow Fleet operations in Ward 1, Sarafina. While feedback was received, the information lacked details about dumping sites cleared and streets graded. The municipality stated that precision in reporting is essential for both recognition of work done and accurate tracking of service delivery.
Critical Incident: Sink Hole Response
The sink hole on Walter Sisulu Street was highlighted as the most urgent incident of the week. While immediate safety precautions were taken, including securing the site and engaging the Water and Sanitation Unit for inspection, permanent repairs remain pending due to material shortages. The incident underscores ongoing supply chain challenges affecting timely resolution of infrastructure hazards.
Missing Departmental Reports
Despite the progress, the weekend report flagged multiple departments for failing to submit updates.
These included:
Road Marking Team – No updates on line markings, signage, or pedestrian crossings, raising public safety concerns.
Parks & Recreation – Absence of maintenance reports on grass cutting, playground repairs, and sports facilities.
Electricity Department – No confirmation of fault repairs, new connections, or streetlight servicing.
Urban Water & Sanitation Teams – No updates on pipe repairs, meter installations, or sewage maintenance in town areas.
The lack of reporting was described as a major gap, as it makes the work of these teams “invisible” to both management and the public.
This Service Delivery Impact
Roads: 1.2 km fully resurfaced
Water: 1 borehole installed in Matlwang Village
Sanitation: 7 blockages cleared in critical areas
Safety: 1 major hazard identified and contained
The update also emphasized the behind-the-scenes dedication of municipal workers, from late-night equipment preparations to early-morning safety briefings.
Community Notices
Residents were advised that Walter Sisulu Street is open, with safety measures around the sinking hole still in place. Borehole work in Matlwang Village will continue into the following day. Supply shortages are being addressed as a priority.
The municipality also reminded residents of contact numbers to report issues:
Water/Sewage: 082 381 0888
Roads/Paving: 018 293 1111
Disaster Management: 078 803 1570
Electricity: 082 385 1888
Building Trust Through Visible Action
The weekend report paints a mixed picture of municipal service delivery. While certain units demonstrated clear progress and swift responses, gaps remain in reporting and supply chain readiness. For residents, the restored Walter Sisulu Street, new borehole in Matlwang Village, and cleared sanitation blockages offer visible improvements.
Yet, the absence of updates from several departments leaves unanswered questions about broader municipal performance.
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