Pipe construction causes more inconvenience for town

BURGERSFORT – For the last two weeks citizens have complained about the poor condition of Marone Street and water being cut off in some parts of town. The main reason was construction which took place due to water damage.

“The road suffered severe damage during the rainy season. We are busy constructing storm-water drainage pipes along the road to prevent future floods. The pipes will control the water flow from the upper areas of the road. The project will continue for about six months. We are also aware of the damage caused to the road and as soon as the construction is finished, we will concentrate on fixing the road again. We would like to apologise for the inconvenience and would like to encourage citizens to be patient and to use the main road when travelling,” said Mr Thabiso Mokoena, spokesman for Greater Tubatse Municipality.

Mr Jonny Dube of No More Tears Motor Mechanics which operates from a hawker stall, complained that the construction had a negative impact on his business. “The municipality told us that the construction would only last two weeks, but it is already a month. Our clients are unable to bring their cars for repairs because of the construction. There is no accessibility for them,” Dube added.

Ms Marlene Lombard, a local citizen, said, “I use this road daily to travel home from work. Since the construction started the condition of the road is extremely bad. I must now use the main road, Dirk Winterbach Street, but I am scared to use it because of all the theft occurring at traffic lights.” Last week water in some areas of town was cut off due to a pipe being damaged while workers were busy with construction in Church Street. The main road and this street were flooded.

“Our office had no water for two days. It caused sanitary problems in our bathroom,” said Gilbert Motseo.