Bedfordview resident, Ms Jacklyn Mansfield, has voiced her frustrations regarding the state of roads in Bedfordview after her vehicle sustained damage from a pothole in the area.
Following the heavy rains in March, Ms Mansfield also questioned the efficiency in addressing potholes in the area.
“The roads are a mess and are always full of water from the rain. The potholes are not visible when you are driving on the road and no one can see what lies beneath until your vehicle goes over one. My Toyota Auris sustained major damage after I drove over one of the potholes in the area. It will cost a fortune to fix,” said Ms Mansfield.
“I am sure I am not the only motorist who is upset over the state of the roads in the area, and surely there must be someone who has to take responsibility for this. I just felt that for the first time in my life, I had to complain about our roads to somebody. I have contacted the metro a number of times, but nothing has been done about the matter,” she said.
Ms Mansfield added that the poor state of the roads reflects badly on an upmarket area like Bedfordview. She said council should be on high alert to fix potholes, especially when faced with heavy rains like those experienced recently.
According to ward 20 councillor, Clr Michele Clarke, “Potholes are a general problem throughout the metro for two reasons. The first is that the metro does not currently have a road rehabilitation contract in place with a service provider.
“The second is that if the roads are repaired, the repairs are done poorly with cheap materials. At the first sign of rain, the potholes reappear.”
“Unfortunately, the ANC-led metro frequently does not renew contracts in a timeous manner and it is the residents who suffer. As a ward councillor, I do my best to stay on top of all service delivery issues in my ward and surrounding areas.
“I myself have been the victim of Ekurhuleni’s roads by hitting a pothole which had been reported. I had to replace a brand new tyre so I can absolutely understand the frustration of residents,” said Clr Clarke.
An inquiry was sent to the communications department of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality. The NEWS requested comment by March 18. At the time of going to print, no comment was received.
