#Letter: Pothole hazard – a temporary fix on the way
After recieving an inquiry from the Courier, the municipality’s Civil Engineering Services team was on site this week.
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/73/2024/08/Edlet-Beacon-pothole.jpg)
The Beacon estate manager Nigel Dewhurst writes:
This pothole outside The Beacon, 92 Ocean Drive, has been steadily growing for about six months. It is caused by an accumulation of naturally occurring ground water which is common along Ocean Drive. One can clearly see water seepage draining down the verge of the road. Telephone calls to numbers listed on the KwaDukuza municipality (KDM) website go unanswered or voicemail boxes are full. Email addresses also listed on the website are no longer in existence.
In desperation, I contacted Tammy Colley, ward councillor for ward 6, and Doccra, both of whom have tried without success to have the road surface repaired by KDM.
The Beacon experienced a sinkhole outside its boundary wall in 2022, reducing the driveway to a single lane. After investigation and negotiation with KDM, The Beacon upgraded its storm water drainage system, and installed agricultural drains across it’s driveway. The Beacon is concerned that another sinkhole may occur if the current problem is not addressed. However, this time the sinkhole is likely to occur on Ocean Drive.
Furthermore, one vehicle has had a tyre destroyed by the pothole. In an attempt to prevent this from happening again, The Beacon has placed a traffic cone on the road surface. This however narrows the road to the extent that a truck and car are dangerously close to one another if they pass adjacent to the pothole. Should a scooter or motorcycle hit the pothole, it is very possible the rider will fall off.
KDM spokesperson Sifiso Zulu responds:
Please note that the Beacon Estate matter was raised back in 2022. Our technical team investigated the matter and seepage was found to be coming from the estate. The estate was informed and addressed the stormwater that was discharging on the side of the road. The Municipality assisted by repairing the damaged part of the road. The matter is reoccurring, and it is being investigated. However, our Civil Engineering Services team will provide temporary measures to ease the driving in the area.
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