Road a danger zone for children
Residents fear more accidents in Van der Berg Street, Elandspoort because there are no speed calming measures.
Elandspoort residents fear there might be lives lost in Van der Berg Street after a child was hit by a taxi.
The child and his friends were riding their bicycles when he was hit by a taxi which was allegedly speeding.
“Luckily the child is not dead. He was taken to hospital by the paramedics. We wish something can be done about this road because people drive like maniacs,” angry resident Joey Botes said.
She said the street has always been busy and with new houses the street is much busier. Very often school children, pedestrians and animals get hit by motorists, and accidents happen regularly due to speeding motorists.
Residents have complained that the dangerous stretch is from Strachan Street to Westford because there are no speed calming measures. Complaints to Tshwane metro have not resolved the issues.
“The metro does not seem interested in our problem. Are they waiting for our children and pedestrians to die before they do something?” asked a concerned resident Mandla Nkomo.
He said it was by the grace of God the child was not badly injured.
Another resident, Rachel Matji said: “You should hear the noise the vehicles make at night. You would think this was Khayalami. I am now afraid to allow my son to play in the street because I fear the worst. Our children and other pedestrians are no longer safe in the streets.”
According to the ward councillor of the area, Danie Swanepoel, he has requested speed calming measures for the street as part of the integrated developmental plan (IDP).
“Residents have not made me aware of the problem in the street. I know the street has no speed calming. What I would also suggest is for residents to draw up and sign a petition about their complaints,” said Swanepoel.
An inquiry has been sent to Tshwane metro regarding the matter.
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