JRA reopens expanded asphalt plant to better meet city’s infrastructure needs

As part of its commitment to bringing real change to communities, the JohannesburgRoad Agency (JRA) on Wednesday relaunched its asphalt plant, in Ophirton, Johannesburg.

The plant, first built in 1965, had to be refurbished to ensure it meets air quality requirements. Its capacity has also increased from 80 t/h to 200 t/h, and it has the ability to produce cold, warm and hot mixes of asphalt. This, JRA acting MD Goodwill Mbatha explained at the opening event, will enable the JRA maintenance teams to respond quicker to asphaltservice defects.

“The plant’s use of Nomex filters in the bag house will rectify and eliminate environmental pollution that was persistent with the old asphalt plant. The plant has a dual burner that can use burner fuel, as well as natural gas, thereby increasing the use of green energy.”

City of Johannesburg executive mayor Herman Mashaba, who officiated at the opening of the plant, said: “This project is not just about producing more asphalt or a quality product. This plant represents something much bigger – it is a demonstration of a seriousness of our multiparty government to create conditions conducive enough for large-scale job creation through quality infrastructure.

He further added that the JRA has been allocated R1.2-billion in the capital budget, within which R250-million has been allocated for road rehabilitation and reconstruction projects. Additionally, the entity has also budgeted for about R180-million for the rehabilitation of bridges in the 2018/19 financial year, up from R49-million in the 2017/18 financial year. Investment in stormwater drain upgrades have also increased to R226-million in the current financial year, from R169-million in the previous financial year.

Completely eradicating all gravel roads within the city would require an investment of R1.8-billion, and over each of the next three years, the city will spend R375-million to completely do away with gravel roads in the city.

“We may not always have the money that we need, but we will always endeavour to prioritise spending areas that best speak to the needs of our residents. We don’t take this for granted, as roadinfrastructure is critical for job creation.”