WATCH: ANDERBOLT – Power a major issue
In the build-up to the elections on May 29, the Advertiser will be taking a closer look at “the good, the bad and the ugly” in some of our suburbs. Why not tell us what's going on in your suburb? Email boksburgadvertiser@caxton.co.za with photos.
Potholes, water leaks and constant power outages remain a cause for concern in Anderbolt.
This became clear when the Boksburg Advertiser visited the industrial area on March 13 to take note of the “good, the bad and the ugly” in this high-industrialised suburb.
The Advertiser noted cars and trucks were seen driving on the sidewalks on All Black Road to dodge the huge potholes.
Furthermore, water is pooling on roads like Hamba Gahle Road due to a blocked stormwater drain.
Another major problem is power outages. especially for factories that rely on electricity.
Factory manager at Right Corrugated Containers Sam Mothapo pointed out the business, situated in All Black Road, has been losing thousands of rands due to the lack of electricity.
“Apart from that, the company is losing a lot of money because the potholes damage our trucks’ tyres,” he said.
Heinreich Bester, owner of Ivar Security in Hamba Gahle Road, said the blocked stormwater drains are becoming a health risk.
“We’re also struggling with power outages that last 24 hours or longer. This happens three to four times a week. We had to buy a generator,” said Bester.
Philip Maudsley, owner of C & E Bearing Engineering Supplies in All Black Road, believes the area is getting worse, raising concerns over blocked stormwater drains and power cuts.
“A stormwater drain here has been blocked since September and that part of road is like a lake. Cars can’t drive here,” he pointed out.
Ward 32 councillor Marius de Vos said it’s important that the metro attend to service delivery issues on time as the the businesses bring in revenue.
“It’s in the metro’s interest that these businesses flourish,” he said.
He highlighted that potholes have been a problem in Anderbolt for years.
“Water leaks that are not fixed contribute to issue and cause road surfaces to disintegrate,” said De Vos.
He confirmed that there are ongoing power outages, highlighting that Anderbolt Industrial Park recently had a power outage of over two weeks.
“This was due to a transformer that gave in because of age and a lack of maintenance. Other reasons for outages are criminal activities, such vandalism at substations,” De Vos explained.
The ward councillor added he is impressed that the businesses manage to keep afloat despite the issues.
“One positive is that Sunflowers Landscaping and Garden Services is helping to keep the area clean.”
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