Residents demand the metro to clear excavation works on Lynnwood Road
At the intersection of Lynnwood and Lizjohn, open trenches and exposed pipes are creating hazardous conditions for pedestrians. Despite promises from Tshwane, residents are frustrated with the ongoing dangers left by excavation work.
East residents are frustrated over excavation work at the intersection of Lynnwood Road and Lizjohn Street that has left the area in a dangerous state.
According to residents, the area has open trenches, exposed pipes, and poorly secured barriers, posing a significant threat to pedestrians.
East resident Helen Alpino said a large pipe has been removed from the ground and left abandoned on the sidewalk.
“It’s extremely dangerous for passing pedestrians,” she said.
“It could cause serious injuries.”
Another resident, Joshua Teague, shared the same concerns as Alpino.
“Open trenches and excavated areas left unattended create tripping hazards for pedestrians.”
Teague said the situation is an accident waiting to happen.
He added that the absence of streetlights in the area worsens the risk.
“These dangerous gaps in the sidewalk and road can cause serious injuries, especially when it’s dark.”
Teague also highlighted the poor security of the barriers around the construction site.
“The barriers are poorly secured and can easily be knocked over by vehicles or pedestrians, leaving the area unprotected,” he said.
“Some of the barriers have been broken for months, with no action taken.”
Tshwane spokesperson Lindela Mashigo confirmed that the ongoing road widening project required the removal of underground material, leaving the area temporarily open.
Mashigo reassured residents that the area would be closed off once the excavation work was completed, which is expected by the end of June.
According to Mashigo, the pipe that was left exposed on the sidewalk has been removed.
“The pipe has been decommissioned and removed. The contractor was also instructed to transfer the pipe urgently to a site camp for safekeeping.”
Despite this assurance, residents remain concerned about the lack of safety measures during the removal process.
Mashigo also addressed concerns about the ongoing risks to pedestrians, saying that monthly safety audits are conducted to minimise potential hazards.
“All open trenches are being barricaded to protect pedestrians from danger,” he said.
“The barricades are visible enough to all pedestrians passing next to the project trenches.”
Mashigo urged residents to report any issues to their ward councillors or the project’s community liaison officer.
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