Worksites become an eyesore to Edenvale residents
“I am waiting with bated breath for the rehabilitation and the repairs to be done."
With the start of the new year, concerns have been raised about the number of unrehabilitated work sites in Edenvale.
Found across the town such work sites, specifically those related to water leaks, are not only an eye sore but pose a danger to motorists if left unrepaired.
An example of this can be seen on Tim Avenue in Edenglen where two un-repaired sites are located.
ALSO READ: City calls for inputs in new by-law proposed for hiring facilities
According to Ward 18 Ald Heather Hart, the work sites are common throughout town.
Other locations in Edenvale where Hart had identified unrehabilitated sites include Main Road, High Road, the Avenues and Edenglen.
She said the incomplete worksites on Tim Avenue have existed for years.
“I have been trying to get these sites rehabilitated for close to a year,” said Hart.
ALSO READ: City hosts imbizo in support of township businesses
Hart recalled how during her first term as councillor in 2011 a water leak was reported and it would get repaired.
“The site would then be referred to the roads department and a dedicated rehabilitation team would rehabilitate the site.
“As the years progressed, changes in budget allocation towards the water department saw the rehabilitation teams moved from the roads to the water depot.”
She said due to further budget constraints in later years, the dedicated rehabilitation teams started falling away.
“Unfortunately due to critical vacancies not being filled we do not have a rehabilitation team at the water depot,” said Hart
She said that rehabilitation is now being done by contractors.
“Since the city is in a cash crunch and contractors are not being paid, we find sites not rehabilitated for months if not years.
“I have been assured by the manager of the water depot that contractors are being paid and should be on site in the weeks to come.
“I am waiting with bated breath for the rehabilitation and the repairs to be done.”
A request for comment was sent to the City of Ekurhuleni on January 24 requesting comment by January 27 at 09:00. At the time of going to print no comment was received.
