For the past two weeks Juan Herrero has been unable to use his own driveway due to a coverless manhole located in front of his garage.
The cover of the manhole outside his property became an easy target for thieves. Even though he reported the theft on the same day it was committed, he would soon learn that he was alone in his quest to have the cover replaced.
Read initial article here: Missing manhole cover poses potential risks
“On Friday, October 1, I reported the stolen cover and followed up on a daily basis. After various calls, emails and reference numbers, the cover still hasn’t been replaced. After a few days the local Joburg Water depot team arrived and told my wife that it’s our responsibility to replace the cover. This doesn’t make sense as it’s on municipal property,” he said.
However, according to ward councillor René Benjamin – who has escalated the matter to the Joburg Water Depot Manager, Nico Singh – that specific manhole is an additional connection which is not connected to the main supply.
If it isn’t connected to the main supply, Joburg Water unfortunately cannot assist in the matter. Since the manhole isn’t recorded on City plans, it remains the resident’s responsibility to look after it.
“It could have happened that this manhole was installed by someone other than Joburg Water before Juan moved in. Unfortunately Joburg Water confirmed that it’s not their manhole and not their responsibility to replace the cover,” René said.
The Record has contacted Nico Singh for comment, but hasn’t received any at the time of print.
