A complex network of water pipes and electricity cables under a concrete slab on Nettleton Road in Oriel is a disaster waiting to happen.

An observation of the concrete slab slash bridge by Bedfordview Edenvale News and Councillor Mike da Silva on March 30 revealed a cracked concrete slab, which is caving in and waiting to collapse. A water pipe lay on the surface of the concrete slab.

Da Silva, who was standing in for Ward 20 Clr Jill Humphreys, explained that there had been a water pipe running underneath the slab but had burst and caused massive soil erosion, which then led to the slab caving in.

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Humphreys reported on March 19 that the water pipe had been removed altogether and that these repairs were being done for the fifth time at the time.”

“Valves have been shut in preparation for proper repair to be done on this pipe that keeps bursting. Due to the precarious condition of the bridge, it’s essential that the water be shut off immediately,” Humphreys had said.

The following day, on March 20, she said a steel pipe had been prepared to replace the collapsed one and would be installed.

The councillor had also requested urgent assistance from the roads department regarding the urgent stabilising of the bridge.

Meanwhile, Da Silva noted that the bridge was going to fall at any time.

“You can see the extent of the erosion. You can see that this concrete slab is going to start pulling this water pipe.”

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He also revealed that this was a stormwater system, and underneath the bridge was an electric cable.

“The concern is that one day this whole thing is going to come down, and when it does, it’s going to take everybody’s power [electricity supply].”

The City of Ekurhuleni was contacted for comment on March 25 and again on March 30 with a request for comment.

At the time of going to print on April 2, no comment had been received.