The suspension of fuel services has left municipal vehicles grounded, affecting pothole repairs, traffic signal maintenance and other critical services across Johannesburg
By Mapaballo Borotho

The City of Johannesburg’s financial challenges have come under the spotlight after Roads and Transport MMC Kenny Kunene revealed that fuel services to the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) fleet have been suspended.
The development has left vehicles responsible for pothole repairs, traffic signal maintenance, and emergency infrastructure inspections unable to operate, raising concerns about the City’s ability to deliver basic services.
Speaking to Phemelo Motene on Kaya 959’s Point of View, Kunene explained the impact the crisis is having on residents and municipal operations.
According to Kunene, City of Johannesburg fleet vehicles have been largely inactive for nearly a week because the City’s diesel supplier has allegedly not been paid.
“This took us aback. Residents of Johannesburg should not be left in the dark about why service delivery is delayed,” said Kunene.
“However, the City’s treasury informed me that they had not received any invoice from the supplier and know nothing about a payment that was supposed to be made.”
The disruption is expected to affect several municipal entities operating across Johannesburg, including City Power and Johannesburg Water.
Kunene said he could not recall a similar incident occurring before and suggested that the situation could be linked to political interference.
“I think there is a plan to bring the City into disrepute. We are heading towards elections and people need money. We know that even the mayor does not get along with the city manager.
“There is a plan to put the City under administration so that by the time September arrives, certain interests would have benefited from the situation,” he alleged.
Residents have been warned that service delivery delays may continue until the fuel supply issue is resolved.
Listen to the podcast for the full conversation.
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