Incomplete road turns into a dam at eMbalenhle

Residents of Ext 1, eMbalenhle fear for their children’s safety because of the incomplete road in their neighbour that is becoming a dam.

They are blaming Govan Mbeki Municipality for hiring incompetent contractors.

Residents told the newspaper that their children like to play on that road because there is always water.

“What will happen if a child drowns?

“No one is coming to explain to us what is happening and why they have excavated the road in the first place.

“We have incompetent leaders in the municipality, I don’t think they have engineers who know about road construction,” said Mr Bongani Ntuli.

“This is a risk for our children and adults, especially at night.

“Our cars are also being damaged,” said Mr Ntuli, a resident.

Motorists living along the road said it is difficult for them to reach their homes and they are forced to leave their cars in friends’ yards.

It is also difficult for mini taxis to use the road.

The Albert Luthuli Drive through Ext 1 and Ext gives motorists and pedestrians sleepless nights.

According to residents, the municipality has neglected Albert Luthuli Road. They claim the project has been looted by tenderpreneurs (entrepreneurs who make money through tenders) because the contractors are often changed.

Residents said Albert Luthuli Road was better before the municipality appointed contractors to repair the road. This led to a state of disarray.

Mr Donald Green, acting head of communication at the time said general repairs and rehabilitation of other roads will be done in phases.

He said the municipality is attending to the challenges regarding Albert Luthuli Road in eMbalenhle.

Mr Lucky Mhlongo, communication officer of the municipality said he will respond once he gets more information from the technical department.