Avenues resident Nick Degenaar raised concerns for the safety of motorists following an apparent lack of remediation work along Fourth Avenue.
Degenaar, a Fourth Avenue resident, raised concerns after the water line that runs down the avenue burst two months ago.
He explained that the water line burst in four places over four consecutive days, every time in the early hours of the morning.
Degenaar pointed out that when the bursts occurred, countless litres of water flowed down Fourth Avenue while his household had no water pressure.
He highlighted that after the community reported the burst water line, the municipality sent workers out to repair the water line the same day.
However, even though the pipes were repaired, the workers left the holes at the worksite open.
“When I asked the workers why they were not filling the holes they told me the soil was too wet and they needed to wait for it to dry.”
Although this made sense to Degenaar, he said it is now two months later and believes the matter should be addressed.
“After phoning numerous times to report the matter, the municipality simply ignored us,” said Degenaar.
“My concern is that this situation will be left like this for several years.”
As someone who has lived in Edenvale for the past 35 years, Degenaar said he has seen the town deteriorate.
Since the holes were dug, Degenaar said two vehicles have driven into the sand left on the road.
The first collision involved a Mercedes while the second, which occurred two days later, involved a bakkie.
Degenaar said there were no injuries caused by the collisions.
He explained that the collisions occurred while Fourth Avenue’s street lights were turned off.
He highlighted that because the covers to access the street lights are not secure, they are often stolen or removed.
“The ease of access allows people to turn off the street lights as they please. After speaking to Ward 19 Clr Bill Rundle, the municipality replaced all the covers along Fourth Avenue.”
Degenaar said he called Rundle for advice several weeks ago.
“Rundle informed me the council knows about unfilled holes and that he would do his best to escalate this matter.”
A request for comment was sent to the City of Ekurhuleni on September 15, requesting comment by September 17 at 09:00.
At the time of going to print, no comment had been received.
