Potholes remain a nightmare in Birchleigh

Residents of Birchleigh North Ext 2 said they are tired of complaining.

ALSO READ: EMPD seize municipal vehicle after found misused

Those living in the area told the Express they faced many service delivery issues, including poor road conditions and a lack of street lights.

The residents on Fynbos Road said they were the hardest hit by potholes.

The scheduled date for resurfacing the road was February, but nothing happened.

The condition of the road is so poor that motorists must drive on the side of it to avoid the numerous potholes.

ALSO READ: Edenvale business affected by CoE’s lack of municipal skip removal vehicles

The residents tried to take matters into their own hands when they informally patched the potholes, but their solution did not last long.

According to Ward 91 Clr Desmond McKenzie, they made the Department of Roads and Storm Water aware of the road conditions around Birchleigh.

“The department is aware of the condition of the roads around this area, and they have put them on the list for resurfacing,” he said.

Another issue faced by residents was the rampant theft of streetlights.

Streetlight theft has left the residents in darkness, and the CoE has not given the residents an alternative.

“We are even scared to go the nearby shops,” said community leader David Felbrook.

ALSO READ: Ekurhuleni municipal workers march to demand their jobs back

He said the dark streets made it easy for criminals to commit crimes and left the community fearing for their safety.

“Fixing the streetlights will take time. In the meantime, we need a big streetlight in the middle of the open field next to Fynbos Road. It will provide light and make residents feel safer,” he said.

Another burning issue in Ext 2 is the enclosure of Ivan Street next to Norkem Park High.

According to Felbrook, Norkem Park High School learners often bunk school and loiter in the area, disturbing the peace.

“Residents signed a petition for an enclosure, and we are waiting for a response from the relevant department,” said Felbrook.

Kempton Express asked for comment from the CoE on June 22.

Their comment was requested by June 26, but at the time of going to print, we had received no comment.