Funds to maintain Edenvale roads allocated in the new financial year

With the CoE’s new financial year starting in July, all major maintenance has been escalated to the new financial year.

This comes after the condition and deterioration of Edenvale’s roads were again thrust into the spotlight.

Ward 19 Clr Bill Rundle recently highlighted the poor condition of the town’s road and stormwater infrastructure, saying the city was not doing enough to preserve and maintain vital infrastructure.

Speaking as the Shadow MMC for Roads, Stormwater, and Transport, Rundle highlighted the potential dangers the unrepaired infrastructure, which includes a sinkhole, poses to motorists and the community.

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He said Edenvale’s roads depot lacked vital resources such as tar, vehicles, road paints and signs.

According to city spokesperson Zweli Dlamini, the city is aware of the roads’ poor condition, but the local roads depot did not lack the necessary materials.

However, Dlamini said funding is needed before repairs could start.

He said funds would become available with the new financial year that begins in July.

Dlamini said damaged stormwater infrastructure caused the sinkhole highlighted by Rundle, near the merge of Van Riebeeck Avenue and Andries Pretorius Road.

When the News visited the site in May, only a yellow barrier lay atop the sinkhole to inform motorists.

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To create greater awareness of the danger, Zweli said the metro plans to erect road signs to make it safer.

Despite this strategy, he said some community members stole the signage previously placed there.

“Potholes will continue to receive attention as per the council’s priority list. We already have a programme, Sihlasela ama Potholes, which aims to fast-track the pothole repairs.”

According to the city, aged infrastructure is one of the most common causes of potholes.

Speaking about the condition of Sixth Avenue and its many potholes, Dlamini said the avenue is an aged infrastructure that needs rehabilitation.

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“While funding remains challenging, it will be addressed through scheduled work programmes.”

Dlamini said cleaning the stormwater infrastructure is an ongoing programme throughout the year, saying it is a non-stop process.

“Additionally, a team is attending to stormwater infrastructure in Edenvale, too.”