The widespread problem of damaged storm water drains and missing manhole covers remain a serious safety risk to residents of Ekurhuleni.
In the light of the prevailing situation and the recent tragic Soweto incident where a six-year-old child fell into an open manhole, the Advertiser asked the Ekurhuleni metro if something is being done to mitigate similar problems.
The City of Ekurhuleni revealed that it is experiencing widespread theft and vandalism of its underground distribution system, which pose serious safety risk to everyone.
As of July 8, there were 223 missing manhole covers and 1 136 blocked storm water systems reported and still needed fixing.
Metro spokesperson, Zweli Dlamini, said the city is aware of the dangers posed by the damaged storm water drains and missing manhole covers.
“The city is doing its best to replace missing manhole covers where it is its responsibility.
“Our depot teams are replacing missing manhole covers and cleaning blocked storm water drains – to mitigate the risks these damaged servitude pose to communities.”
He said the city also intervenes in cases where missing manhole covers fall outside its jurisdiction, but are considered life-threatening.
When asked whether the city’s depots are adequately equipped to immediately repair the damaged system Dlamini said, “yes, however, the storm water systems are damaged and getting blocked on a daily basis”.
We also asked the metro if it is dealing with manhole-related damage claims, where the complainants had fallen into an open manhole or had property damaged due to unattended uncovered manholes. In his response, Dlamini said, “the city could not establish in the short period of time given to respond to establish if there is a claim of that nature”.
Child falls into open manhole
Hardly a month after the Soweto incident, this publication reported that an eight-year-old boy, Kgomotso Makachaba, fell into an open manhole on the corner of Dion and Galahad Streets in Dawn Park on June 18.
His mother, Salome Makachaba, said her child was rescued by a passer-by who spotted the boy trapped in the manhole that had been left open.
Although the child was not injured, he got soaked in the water, and he and his family were left traumatised
“My child is lucky that he managed to come out of the manhole alive, but that is not promised to everyone who might fall into a manhole,” said Makachaba.
According to Makachaba, this manhole has been left open and unattended for months.
She appealed to the city to attend to the manhole as soon as possible to prevent another unfavourable incident.
Ward 45 Clr Nkululeko Sidu agreed that the hole is dangerous to residents, saying he reported it to the city’s customer care centre manager.
A request for comment on this hole, sent to the metro in June, remains unanswered.
Anyone who sees open manholes is urged to report it to the City of Ekurhuleni municipal call centre on 0860 543 000.
Also Read: Stranger rescues Dawn Park child (8) from manhole
