PHALABORWA – A resident of Ward 12, Tifanny Keyser, is blaming the Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality for injuries she sustained after tripping over a broken stormwater drain two weeks ago.

The incident, which occurred on the night of Friday, June 27, left her with a broken elbow and torn ligaments in one foot, rendering her immobile and unable to work.

Keyser said the fall happened outside Die Kantoor Restaurant on Sealene Street in Ward 11 after she and her husband had dinner.

She believes the accident could have been avoided if the stormwater drain had been properly maintained.

“This would not have happened if the drain had been fixed,” she said. “It’s across from Meridian College, and a child or parent could easily get hurt.”

Keyser reported the issue to the municipality, which responded by placing red and white caution tape around the drain. However, she says this temporary measure is insufficient.

“I had to undergo surgery on my elbow. They inserted a plate and seven screws. I still can’t go back to work. This all could have been prevented if the stormwater drains were properly maintained,” she added. “The municipality needs to take this matter seriously before something worse happens.”

Democratic Alliance (DA) Ward 12 Cllr Lonika Booysen confirmed that Keyser’s case is not isolated. She said two other residents have recently been affected by municipal negligence.

In one incident, Costa Chrisostomou drove into an unmarked and unclosed ditch left behind by municipal plumbers after they repaired a water leak in Nollie Bosman Street. There were no warning signs or barrier tape to alert drivers. In another case, resident Theo Erasmus struck a large pothole on Sperwer Street, causing R17.768 in damage to his vehicle.

“This is part of a broader issue,” Booysen said. “Potholes are everywhere, forcing motorists to veer into oncoming traffic or drive on pavements just to avoid damage. In some areas, the tar has completely worn away, leaving only gravel behind. Without a 4×4 vehicle, these roads are almost impossible to use. It’s a total collapse of basic maintenance.”

Booysen added that the problem extends beyond roads. Non-functioning streetlights have left entire neighbourhoods in darkness, and pedestrians face daily hazards including broken sidewalks, open manholes, and scattered debris, conditions that not only increase the risk of injury but also of crime.

In response, Booysen has launched a petition calling on the municipality to urgently fix potholes and stormwater drains. She is urging concerned residents to support the initiative and can be contacted at 10 Jakkalsbessie Crescent for those wishing to sign the petition.

At the time of going to print, the Herald had not received comment from the Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality.