Hold the City to account – ward councillor
BRYANSTON – Due to a lack of urgency by the roads agency, the size of the reinstatement continued to grow with every passing rain.
A six-month-old reinstatement in Bryanston creates growing concerns among the community.
The reinstatement on the corner of Cumberland Avenue and Grosvenor Road is part of a long list of backlogs facing the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA).
The growing reinstatement, previously reported in an article titled Battle for reinstatements continue [Week ending 13 November 2020], was created by Johannesburg Water in early August last year to repair a burst pipe along the sidewalk.
Once the utility completed the repairs it is the responsibility of the JRA to repair and reinstate the area, making it safe for pedestrians and motorists.
“The leak itself was repaired by Joburg Water quite quickly, by about 7 August, but the problem now lies with the JRA. I have reported it to them (JRA) numerous times, the residents included, but this is where we now stand,” said Ward 104 councillor on a visit to the reinstatement on 26 January.
Due to a lack of urgency by the roads agency, the size of the reinstatement continued to grow with every passing rain. The reinstatement now takes up a large area of the left lane on the road making it incredibly difficult for cars to swerve out of the way and avoid oncoming traffic.
“When you approach the intersection from Cumberland Avenue it is basically a blind corner, you (as a motorist) will probably not see the reinstatement and swerve out of the way in time,” said Wood.
The sidewalk was also dug up by Joburg Water in order to repair the leak and while the paving bricks were put back, the bricks were not stabilised and cemented, creating a great concern for the safety of pedestrians. “This forces people to walk on the road, a busy road,” added Wood.
According to JRA spokesperson Kelebogile Mafa on 4 February, reinstatement repairs were under way. “The team completed the reinstatement of kerb slabs and the paving blocks.”
Mafa added that what remains outstanding is the reinstatement of the tar. “[It] had to be delayed due to rainy weather; the team will attend to the tar replacement as soon as possible.”
However, upon a visit by The Chronicle to the area on the morning of 4 February, the reinstatement remained unchanged.
Wood noted that he will continue to keep a close eye on the reinstatement and continue to hold the City to account. The community is encouraged to do the same.
Related articles:
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/255927/backlog-of-reinstatements-cause-crisis/
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/8876/lack-of-reinstatement-a-rife-problem/
