Councillor highlights road issues in Kloof

A KLOOF resident and the local ward councillor have called on the eThekwini Municipality to remove and replace a streetlight that was knocked over outside the Delcairn Centre more than three months ago.

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The ward 10 councillor, Tex Collins, in November last year, highlighted the issue with street lights not working as well as the streetlight that was knocked over during an accident.

“Apart from reporting directly to the eThekwini Municipality, I have it on good authority that many residents have also sent in repair requests, yet the pole and the mess is still left lying on the sidewalk,” said Collins.

Concerned resident, Bradley Bekker noted it was a hazard for pedestrians as they would need to leave the safety of the sidewalk and walk on the road. “It’s just not safe and it needs to be fixed,” he said.

Collins said a meeting of the Municipal Public Accounts committee was held recently and it was highlighted that the City’s electricity department, during its performance review, showed a success rate of 33 per cent.

“Situations of this nature have now become the hallmark of a service unit that is quite incapable of performing anywhere near acceptable levels,” said Collins.

The eThekwini Municipality’s spokesperson, Msawakhe Mayisela, said the delay would be investigated by the Electricity Department and a team will be sent to repair the light.

“We continue to advise residents to report faulty street lights to the Electricity Service Unit, by calling the contact centre on 0801 313 111. Residents are to ensure they provide the operator with as much information as possible, ensuring that the faulted street light/s can be easily located,” said Mayisela.

Information needed: street name, or closest address to the street light pole, the street light pole number, and a description of the fault.

Mkoko Road bridge troubles
Another issue that has become a grave concern for residents is a slab of metal hanging from the super structure of the bridge across the busy M13.

Bekker said each time he uses the road, he moves to the slow lane to avoid the piece of hanging metal. “It’s just so dangerous and most people don’t even see it when they’re driving. It’s an accident waiting to happen!”

Collins has previously sent an email notifying the KZN Department of Transport of the problem, but has had no response.

“Having had a close look at this bridge, there is no doubt that there are several very serious areas of concern related to the integrity of it. The large chunk of steel hanging from the structure is in danger of falling very soon and, should this occur, could result in a major catastrophe for any vehicle that just happens to be passing at that time,” he said.

The Department of Transport did not respond to questions by the time of publication.