Bins in CBD used as lids for uncovered manholes

POLOKWANE – Business owners in the central business district (CBD) have come up with a solution to the uncovered manholes around the CBD, simultaneously finding a use for the unused rubbish bins scattered around the area, by covering the holes with the bins.

“Open manholes have been the cause of people coming into my store saying that they will not support us in future as the area is too dangerous due to the open manholes,” Nazeem Patel, a store manager, said.

Several business owners decided to use unused rubbish bins to close up the manholes, or to at least serve as a warning that there was a hole. Joseph Mbabane, a store owner, said making calls to the municipality meant nothing as nothing was being done. “The rubbish bins are not being used and if they are they are rarely cleaned, so putting them in the holes provided a solution to both problems. It seems like the municipality is condoning this action as municipal workers clean the bins and put them back in the holes again,” he said.

Municipal spokesperson Matshidiso Mothapo said the municipality was looking into the matter. He said the municipality had been dealing with the vandalism of municipal property, as well as the theft of manhole covers. “The municipality is looking into new ways to cover the manholes with materials that will not be stolen and sold for scrap metal,” he explained.

“We urge people to report incidents of stealing and vandalism, including any open manhole to the municipality by dialing the following number: (015) 290 2376,” Mothapo concluded.