FIBRE connections in the Glenwood area have left some roads with dug up and damaged pavements. Affected roads include, Lena Ahrens Drive, as well as Che Guevara Road and Lulworth Road.
Previously, contractors would dig up larger sections of the pavements, and according to Ward 33 councillor, Sakhile Mngadi, these pavements would be restored.
“In recent months, the pavements have been dug up in smaller sections, as new customers subscribe to the fibre connections,” he said.
According to Mngadi, to do work like this, companies require a way leave, which they can apply for from the City’s engineering department.
Also read: Glenwood fibre goes live as more than 60 residents sign up
“This shows you where the City services are, where you can dig and how far you can dig. We find that some companies are operating with no way leaves. The City doesn’t know they are digging and the companies do so much damage. There are burst pipes, cut power chords and it causes chaos throughout the ward,” he said.
With several fibre companies operating in the area, Mngadi said there is continuous damage to pavements.
“It’s not just one company, there are about four companies in the ward, all digging every few months. When one customer signs up they come through and dig. When someone else signs up, they will come again and dig. It’s just an unsustainable way to conduct business.
Also read: Dangerous pavements plague Berea following fibre installation
“There’s really no legal recourse, so the City has to come in and fix these things, but there are no resources, which is why the ward looks like this,” said Mngadi.
Fibre connection went live in Glenwood in May, 2021 with the installation process beginning in 60 homes.
A resident who wanted to remain anonymous, said some companies have reinstated the pavements recently.
“It’s gotten worse. They are not fixing up the pavement. Big holes and rubble have been left for four months in the whole upper Glenwood area. I am especially concerned about the pavement on the corner of Cato Road and Clark Road, there’s a big hole and it’s dangerous for pedestrians,” said the resident.
* Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news
Dear reader, As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19. Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).
