According to Tiziana Burtone, the matter of the manhole, in Lama Street, was first reported in June.
“I was informed by residents about a young girl who had fallen into this open manhole,” said Burtone.
“There were also a number of other incidents where criminals had hidden in the manhole and robbed unsuspecting residents walking past.
“Upon making my enquirers, the municipality first indicated that they couldn’t locate the open manhole.
“Upon locating it, I was then informed by the Department of Sewerage that the Water Department was actually responsible for covering the manhole.
“When the issue was eventually reported to the Water Department, it was logged as a water leak and not an open manhole, which resulted in nothing being done.
“In September, I followed up on the matter again, via the call centre, and the municipality replaced the cover.
“However, the new cover does not fit the manhole properly, which means it is still open – criminals can still hide inside the manhole and children can fall in.”
Burtone said residents living in Lama Street are disappointed that the metro has failed to act timeously and effectively on this matter.
“The DA believes that every citizen has the right to live in an area where children can safely play outside and residents can walk around their neighbourhood without the fear of being robbed or attacked,” she added.
“By failing to effectively close the manhole, the metro has failed in their responsibility to keep the residents of Lama Street safe.
“I will, therefore, be writing to the MMC for Water, Doctor Xakaza, requesting him to intervene and ensure that the manhole is properly covered as a matter of urgency.”
