ERMELO – An accident involving a vehicle and a taxi occurred on the corner of De Bruin and General Botha streets on August 8.

The incident was reportedly caused by a large pothole that had been a long-standing issue in the area.

According to statements by the occupants involved, the smaller vehicle had to brake suddenly to avoid the pothole, which led to the taxi, driven by June Malinga, crashing into the back of it.

Malinga expressed his frustration, stating that “the municipality is failing us” in addressing the issue. Ben Roos, the driver of the other vehicle, corroborated this account, explaining that braking for the pothole ultimately resulted in Malinga’s crashing into him.

The residents have been vocal about their concerns regarding this pothole and other municipal maintenance issues.

Theressa van der Walt, a resident, reported the pothole and the stormwater drain overflowing with sewage flowing past their driveways to the municipality about a month ago, though the issue had been ongoing for a considerable time.

She said she had visited the municipality in person, too. She said some municipal workers were dispatched to General Botha two weeks later and she was informed that the problem had stemmed from a property further up the street.

The workers told her they had been unable to reach the relevant homeowners, but would continue trying.

Van der Walt said she did not understand what the homeowners had to do with the storm water drain being blocked, as it is on municipal property and could be cleared of any blockages without the homeowners being contacted.

The issue remained unresolved.

Highvelder has reached out to Mandla Zwane, the spokesperson for the Msukaligwa Local Municipality, to enquire about potential claims processes for the affected motorists and to seek updates on the repair of the storm water drain and pothole.

The newspaper awaits his response and will provide further updates as they become available.

Read the complete article in Highvelder.