Missing manhole cover a danger

One Dunvegan resident is concerned that a combination of speeding motorists and a missing manhole cover could have disastrous consequences.

For more than two weeks, the manhole cover along Michael Place off Madge Avenue has been missing.

“Motorists fly along Madge Road, it is only a matter of time before someone hits the manhole and is seriously injured,” said Ms Jan Costigan.

“The missing manhole is on the corner, if a motorist turns from Madge Avenue into Michael Place they are going to drive straight into the hole,” she said.

Another concern raised by Ms Costigan was a lack of speed bumps on Madge Avenue.

Dunvegan Primary School is situated two blocks from Michael Place, with Madge Avenue being a feeder road for school traffic.

Ms Costigan said that while Lily Avenue has many speed bumps, Madge Avenue has none.

“Children walk and ride to school on this road but it seems to be a free-for-all when it comes to speeding,” she said.

The NEWS sent an enquiry to the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality’s (EMM) brand and communications department questioning why nothing had been done about the missing manhole cover.

The NEWS also questioned whether there had been an increase in the theft of manhole covers in the area.

Additional questions to the EMM’s department included whether there were plans to implement traffic calming measures on Madge Avenue and whether a traffic study had been compiled.

The NEWS sent the enquiry on February 18 and requested comment by February 21.

At the time of going to print, no comment was received.