Beware road repair hazards
Work on the R34 between Empangeni and eShowe has taken a hazardous turn.
MUCH needed repair work on the R34 between Empangeni and the eShowe turn-off has taken its toll on at least one motorist.
Brett van Biljon, who works in eShowe and travels the road every day, recently had to fork out hard cash for four new tires after hitting one of the square holes dug up by the contractor while repairing potholes.
‘There was no warning, no marking or anything,’ said Van Biljon.
‘It was dark and I hit the hole hard, damaging all four of my vehicle’s tires.’
According to Van Biljon, it was the second time in recent months he had damaged his vehicle on the same road.
Standard procedure
‘The procedure is to dig out the faulty asphalt and refill it with new material, which means that there will be an open area on the road surface,’ said Vice Chairman of the Southern Africa Roads Federation, Zululand branch, Mike Patterson.
He emphasised there should be clear markings with adequate signage and the area that has been dug up should not be left unattended.
‘If the hole was not demarcated, then it was clearly negligence and the motorist should seek compensation for the damages.’
The contractor is currently still busy with repair work to the roads and motorists are urged to drive carefully in the area.
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