Stolen manhole covers still a problem
Theft of manhole covers in Benoni is out of hand, according to Clr Mary Goby.
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2014/06/IMG_930_555742254.jpg)
Members of the public are notifying Clr Mary Goby of missing manhole covers on a daily basis, with affected areas including Farrarmere, Rynfield, Lakefield and Western Extension, to name a few.
The City Times reported on the manhole cover thefts and the potential danger they pose to motorists and pedestrians, on May 19.
Goby said the council is not replacing the covers fast enough, as there is a shortage.
”We saw the covers had been stolen and replaced them with temporary covers, to make it safe while we are waiting for the permanent replacements,” said Ekurhuleni spokesperson Themba Gadebe.
”We receive calls from the community or councillors and, as soon as we receive the complaints, we go out and close the holes; if we don’t have the right cover size we place temporary covers until we get the correct cover slab.
”An order has been placed.”
Missing manhole covers may be reported to the Ekurhuleni call centre on 086 054 3000.
Goby also encouraged people to report missing covers and fences to the roads department, on 011 999 7242, or to send her an SMS on 082 679 7109, or email her a reference number at mary.goby@ekurhuleni.gov.za, for her to follow up the complaint.