Solheim resident Adrian Skirrow contacted the GCN recently, regarding the poor condition of Mercurius Road.
Skirrow told us that the road had become all but impassable, due to potholes and the fact that rocks from the road surface had become dislodged and scattered everywhere.
He said that Mercurius Road is the main road through to the new development in Solheim and, due to the bad conditions, there are often traffic delays during peak periods, as vehicles have to try to avoid potholes.
When the GCN visited the site it appeared as if some patching of the potholes had been done, but the road’s surface is in a very poor condition and needs to be resurfaced.
Skirrow is also concerned about the state of the pavements at the corner of Mercurius and Main roads.
“The pavements were dug up over a year ago and never repaired,” he said.
“During peak hours, pedestrians are forced to walk in the busy road, concrete covers are broken and lying in the road, the pavement has disappeared and sand is eroding.
“Drain/manhole covers have been stolen, leaving open manholes on both sides of Main Road.”
This is a safety hazard for both pedestrians and motorists.
Skirrow also mentioned that there are no street lights at night on Main Road, apart from one light working opposite Neptune Street, near the top of Main Road.
He wants to know why the municipality is not maintaining the infrastructure as they should be.
“As someone who grew up in the area, it is disconcerting to see infrastructure being allowed to deteriorate until it will end up costing ratepayers more than routine maintenance and upkeep would,” he said.
The GCN asked the metro for comment on the matter and spokesman Themba Gadebe said: “Work to repair this road is scheduled to start on July 21 and will be completed within two weeks.
“We apologise for the inconvenience caused.”
