Theft of manhole covers and the damage to the storm-water drain system has become a major concern in ELDOS
Both Joburg Water and the Joburg Roads Agency (JRA) are struggling to keep up with the replacement of these drains.
Eldorado Park Ward Councillor Peter Rafferty warns that the theft of manhole covers and the damage to the stormwater drain system itself has become a major concern within the community.
According to Rafferty, the theft of these covers does not only pose a danger to residents but places an immense financial burden on the City of Johannesburg.
“This is a problem that takes places throughout the community but Extensions Two, Seven, Eight and Old Eldos are affected the most,” said Rafferty.
According to Joburg Water, several incidents have been reported where residents have fallen into these open drains.
“During a meeting with Joburg Water, it came to our knowledge that a recent incident involving a pregnant woman occurred. She fell into the drain and had to be hospitalised,” said the Councillor.
Rafferty also said that apart from the obvious dangers posed by these open manholes, there are people who take advantage, by using them to dump their waste.
“This, in turn, leads to blockages and affects our roads when it rains, creating flooding which can eventually lead to potholes, traffic disruptions and road accidents,” said the Councillor.
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Both Joburg Water and the Joburg Roads Agency (JRA) are struggling to keep up with the replacement of these drains.
“There are some open drains which can be easily covered with concrete slabs, however the ones on the road surface create major problems, as the damaged infrastructure increases the risk of flooding,” said the Councillor. Rafferty urges residents to be more vigilant and to report a theft as it is happening.
“If anyone witnessed the theft of these drain covers please contact the JMPD on (011) 375 5611. I also urge our residents to please report all missing drain covers to Joburg Water on (011) 959-1400 or JRA on (011) 947-1002.
This will assist in getting them replaced timeously to avoid danger,” said the Councillor. “We must all fight crime as a collective so that no one becomes a victim of the danger of these open manholes,” he concluded.
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