THE RECORD visited the Mall at New Market on Thursday, March 23 and stopped some random people to find out how they felt about Alberton’s pothole situation.
The sample of people included motorists, but also people who use public transport. Most people expressed concern over how the potholes greatly increase the risk of accidents. Others felt less affected by the issue, such as those who use public transport and don’t spend time behind the wheel.
Shantel Mans, an employee at Paul James Hairdressing, expresses her view: “The potholes are terrible, especially in Alberton North. As soon as one is fixed, another appears. Potholes can cause serious accidents and are really a hazard to everyone’s safety. And it’s not just in Alberton – it’s everywhere.”
Earl Ferris and Lebo Mandlase are retail workers from Eagle Adventure Wear. They are not motorists, but travel by taxi instead. They say they feel less affected by the potholes since they don’t have to drive around them. “All I can say is that those potholes are a big danger and cause of accidents. Luckily I haven’t been in a pothole accident,” says Earl.
Nicolaas Esterhuyzen, an employee at Checkers, says: “Well, I don’t really drive around that much, to be honest. Here and there, when I drive, a pothole would pop up, but nothing too serious.”
Ron Screwby, who works at 1Up Games, does not drive himself, as he prefers carpooling with friends. He comments: “There are some really bad potholes… We were lucky one time, when my brother was driving. We hit a huge pothole over Kliprivier Drive right across Mall of the South, but luckily the tyre didn’t burst – it should have. That pothole was huge. I don’t agree with how the roads are being fixed these days. It used to be built properly – a layer of gravel, a layer of stone and a layer of tar. But now it’s like it’s just being fixed quickly to get the job done. No one really cares anymore.”
If there are any serious potholes that you know of that have caused serious damage, feel free to let us know and share your story via email: moniquevw@caxton.co.za.
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