Bedggood was driving home at about 10pm on 15 January when she drove over the loose cover which damaged her tyre. “I was forced to abandon my car under a tree and walk home in the pouring rain as my [wheel was on its rim],” said the 69-year-old.
Rentia Nel, who witnessed the incident said Bedggood was extremely traumatised after the incident, adding that many motorists had similar experiences due to the loose manhole cover.
Bedggood has since replaced her tyre, but is adamant that JRA have been negligent.“The loose cover has been reported many times to the JRA, they now need to pay attention,” she said.
Richard Kamanga, manager of the nearby BP Garage, Fourways Gardens said, “We can’t ignore it, and are forced to close it [manhole] up to 10 times a day.”
Kamanga confirmed that two men had been onsite to fix the loose manhole cover on the morning of 26 January.
Bertha Peters-Scheepers, JRA spokesperson, apologised for the damage caused to the vehicle and explained that there was a process whereby motorists who had their wheels or tyres damaged could submit a claim.
According to Scheepers, residents can download a claim form from the JRA website.
In addition to completing the claim form, the following documents would need to be attached:
- Police affidavit
- Copy of driver’s licence of the claimant (in case of vehicle damage)
- Vehicle registration documents (in case of vehicle damage)
- Copy of ID
- Photos of the damage to the car (in case of vehicle damage)
- Quotations or invoice/proof of payment
- Letter from insurance company confirming that the claim was not logged to own insurance; or an affidavit if not insured
- Doctors report if there is personal injury.
Details: www.jra.org.za
Have you been affected by the loose manhole cover on Uranium Road? Tweet @Fourways_Reveiew with your comments
