Some roadworks to be completed before Christmas in Alrode South
Roadworks will be done in some roads in Alrode South with the mounting pothole problem turning sour for the industrial hub for years now.
Massive potholes in Alrode and surrounding areas are making an appearance, which is a major concern to motorists and business owners.
This has seen businesses repairing some of these potholes themselves, which continue to degrade their roads.
However, there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel as the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) roads department assured they will do intensive repairs in the 2024/5 financial year budget on other roads at the industrial hub.
Petunia Mdakane from the CoE confirmed, “Due to budget constraints, the city will rehabilitate only Langkloof and Rivett-Carnett streets. The patchwork will be done by 22 December 2023.”
Ward 94 Clr Samantha Nair said a water leak caused extensive damage to Langkloof and Rivett-Carnett streets.
“The water leak has been fixed and, as per the department, both streets will be fixed. My observation is that it took too long to repair the water leak, thus causing extensive damage to both roads. Companies in both streets had to suffer losses because customers could not get to the companies due to the damaged roads,” she said.
Several roads to be patched up by the end of December will include Potgieter, Garfield, Dan Jacobs, and Bosworth Street, among many others in Alberton and surrounding areas.
‘Exasperating issues’
Speaking on behalf of businesses in the area, the chairman of the Alrode Business Forum, Jonathan David, said several issues had to be addressed in the area.
“Safety and security is a concern and we request the city to look into it. Train line areas and redundant railway lines are used to access and break into company property; the overgrowth in the area needs drastic attention and service delivery needs drastic attention,” he said.
He also pointed out road conditions needed major action, and that the regular non-operation of traffic lights and its synchronisation are major issues.
“Drainage, sewerage, and water supply issues, reticulation, street lights and constant energy issues are of major concern. Billing and online meter readings are also a concern. Although a new metering online system has been rolled out, most businesses are unaware or are having issues getting into the system,” David said.
He advised businesses who do have online metering to request consultation or instruction manuals on how to access and use the system.
In the face of ‘exasperating issues’ which require urgent attention, he acknowledged efforts made in their area – the repairs carried out to the roads.
“We also acknowledge the cooperation and assistance of the Energy Department to consult and work with the forum on resolutions. We thank the commitment from councillors and Alberton SAPS for their commitment and interest in the area, as well as the number of devoted security companies in the area. Thank you to the committee and the forum members,” he said.
