Byline: Leigh Hodgson
The GCN has received numerous complaints from residents concerning the state of the Germiston CBD.
Complaints include:
- Water leaks.
- Sewage leaks.
- Potholes.
- Holes left open (unmarked) after and during construction.
- Litter.
- Paving being ripped up and not restored.
- Rubble left behind after construction.
GCN journalists visited Victoria Street, Meyer Street, President Street, Knox Street, Railway Street, White Street and Simmer Street in the CBD, and photographed examples of the concerns raised by residents.
In response to a query from the GCN, Themba Gadebe, spokesman for the metro, explained that the construction in the CBD is being carried out by the water and sanitation department.
“The metro’s water and sanitation department is replacing all existing steel water pipes with u-PVC pipes, due to ageing and water losses,” he said.
“The project is aimed at upgrading the infrastructure and ensuring the reliability of water supply to the CBD.
“The work is expected to be finished after the next financial year, on condition that all goes as planned.”
In response to queries about why some construction areas and large holes have been left open and unmarked, Gadebe explained: “These excavations are safety barricaded to ensure the safety of the public and motorists.
“We request that if the public notice any excavation they feel is unsafe, they report it to the nearest customer care centre or directly to the call centre, so that the metro can deploy a team to barricade it.
“It should be noted that safety officers for the project also oversee the safety of operations on site daily.”
Another concern for residents was the number of water leaks throughout the CBD.
Gadebe said that these leaks are a result of an aged infrastructure.
“The existing infrastructure has reached its life span and, as work proceeds, we expect to do repairs,” he said.
“We do have inspectors and members of the public who assist in reporting the leaks.
“As and when we receive the leak complaints we promptly respond to have them repaired.
“Members of the public are encouraged to log all sewer and water leak complaints directly to the metro’s call centre, so that plumbers can be dispatched to attend to the leaks.”
Finally, the metro commented on the litter that has built up in the CBD.
“The waste management services department outsources the cleaning of the Germiston CBD, which takes place seven days per week, day and night,” Gadebe said.
“The increase in litter was caused by a march conducted by the Lungile Mtshali Project employees.
“They trashed the streets and overturned litter bins, etc.”
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