Since the inception of the Ekurhuleni Harambee Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project, motorists’ lives have been put in risk.
Residents have been complaining about accidents they see now and then along near Birch Acres Mall where vehicles continuously crash into an adjacent stream.
DA councillor in Ekurhuleni Mabekenyane Thamahane responded to community concerns and went to monitor the situation.
“The unfinished BRT road near Birch Acres Mall has become a serious danger to road users.
“Andrew Mapheto Road remains unfinished and local informal traders who sell food nearby have stated that a number of vehicles have crashed there due to the condition of the road,” said Thamahane.
He said he went to the area and was shocked to see that there were no barricades or warning signs cordoning off the dangerous stream.
“Eyewitnesses have reported that they have witnessed cars having to be pulled out of the water that has dammed next to the road due to the lack of proper stormwater drainage. People’s safety should be a priority for the metro and we call on the department to urgently take measures to prevent any damages or loss of life,” Thamahane pleaded.
Resident in the area, Abraham Ncube, said it is very sad to watch people’s lives being put at risk like that.
“The road is very dangerous, especially at night. When motorists come from the CTM direction towards Phomolong, the traffic lights on Nyathi Street and Andrew Mapheto Drive turn green.
“Drivers assume the road is straight and there are no reflecting road construction signs alerting them of the curve.
“Just when they realise that they are driving off the road, they will be already crashing into the river,” said Ncube.
He said one life has been lost already as a result of the deadly ditch that is not cordoned off.
Ncube advised the people responsible for the BRT project to put reflecting road construction signs up to save road users’ lives.
“Drivers must also be very cautious when driving on Andrew Mapheto Drive along Birch Acres Mall.
“Taking caution might save their lives,’ advised Ncube.
Ncube said the traffic lights on Nyathi Street and Andrew Mapheto Drive must be switched off until that water stream is cordoned off.
