Damaged road is a safety hazard for drivers

RIGHT by the corner of St Thomas Road and Peter Mokaba Road sits a massive hole that forces drivers in a two-lane road to drive on one side of the road right before a four-way intersection, and Musgrave residents are fed up with having to deal with this major inconvenience. According to local resident Karmen Govender, whose property the issue directly affects, the municipality began digging at the corner of the two roads when it was reported that there was an issue with a water pipe along St Thomas Road. “Once the water pipe was fixed in February of 2022, the road remained dug up, and after reaching out to the City several times, nothing has been done,” said Govender.

Govender says that the hole has become a dumping site and is affecting her property. “We keep our walls painted, and now, no matter what we do, this area is an eyesore. We have started seeing cracks in our wall, and we are worried that it will cave in any day now because the area is so badly maintained and there is serious erosion from the ground.”

Another Musgrave resident and Ward 31 committee member, Ahmed Kayalsum, says the hole is causing safety issues for residents living around the area. “This hole at the intersection of Peter Mokaba and St Thomas Road occurred in February 2022 – it’s an absolute eyesore and causes safety issues for the owner on the adjoining property. The surrounding property’s boundary walls could be affected – it is also a nightmare for motorists and residents, causing unnecessary congestion due to one lane being completely cut off at this busy intersection. Some nasty accidents were witnessed around this spot which takes you into Kenilworth Road.

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Kayalsum says communication with the municipality has been ongoing without any expedition. “We are still waiting for the municipality to get back to us as to when work will be undertaken on this treacherous eyesore, which is a major inconvenience and a nightmare to all in the area.”

Ward 31 councillor Remona Mckenzie says she considers the hole a serious road-safety issue. “There were serious water leaks and burst pipes that resulted in a significant wash-away of the side walk and part of the road. The floods also caused further damage to municipal infrastructure – electrical, water and wastewater,” said Mckenzie.

Mckenzie says that, to date, there has been no activity to repair the damage.

“There has been no attempt to erect any form of safety barrier or warning to motorists or pedestrians, creating a significant safety hazard. And having no clear visibility, with none of the streetlights working in this immediate area, is a greater risk,” she said.

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Councillor Mckenzie says she has requested assistance from the municipality regarding this matter. “I have requested urgent intervention to address the lack of any safety barriers around the area, the need for the streetlights to work on a priority basis so that the hazard is illuminated at night, and I have requested that the department make the necessary arrangements to repair and reinstate the road and sidewalk.

“Heads of departments are fully aware of this issue, and as the councillor, I have been putting pressure on departments to come out. It’s absolutely frustrating when there is a lack of communication and disrespect to carry out proper processes and deliver services to the residents. This issue has been a concern for more than a year. It’s unacceptable,” concluded Mckenzie.

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