Upkept roads anger residents
MIDRAND - Residents have complained about the bad state of the roads. According to resident Herman Warren, there are large trees that are half-dead or have fallen along the roadside on the R562 between Old Pretoria Road and Elevation Road.
“I am concerned that the trees may fall onto the road and cause damage to vehicles or hurt motorists and pedestrians,” he said.
Another resident, Susan Lombard, told The Midrand Reporter that motorists drive recklessly on Olifantsfontein Road and Summit Road. She explained, “The roads are bad and taxi drivers from Diepsloot drive on the side of the road. People put large rocks next to the road to discourage motorists who drive on the side of the road but some motorists stop and remove the rocks and drive on.” Lombard is concerned that pedestrians will be knocked over by careless road users.
Resident Tshegofatso Mogau also raised concerns, particularly about Dale Road. According to Mogau there’s serious traffic congestion and pedestrians struggle to cross the road as motorists sometimes ignore pedestrian markings. “Pedestrians are not safe at peak hours,” added Mogau.
Trees also pose a serious problem on Dale Road. In September a tree fell on a motorist, Michelle de Klerk, who was going to the Midrand Licensing Department. A tree fell onto her car as she drove past. Johannesburg Roads Agency spokesperson Mosa Makhalima commented, “We are aware of the challenges on Dale Road; the road is on the list for 2014/15 budget plan. Pedestrians’ issues will also be covered in that solution. We have reported the issue of the trees along the roads to City Parks. They have promised to investigate and take action where necessary.”
