Workers still ‘dicing with death’ on M4
Residents and councillors call to use different routes across the busy M4 highway ignored.
A DAY after a worker was killed crossing the busy M4 highway, near the uMhlanga off-ramp, domestic workers and other workers are still illegally crossing the busy stretch of road despite pleas to consider their safety from the local councillor and residents in the area.
Ward councillor Heinz de Boer has voiced his concern over the number of people crossing the busy highway, but admitted it was tough to police. Portions of a fence that runs parallel to Hilken Drive and the M4 have been cut out, so domestic workers, gardeners, (and according to a local security company, even criminals) can use the ‘shortcut’ as a thoroughfare.
The fence which starts at the uMhlanga offramp has been cut through in a number of places.
“I have been down there with the parks department who have cleared away the bushes surrounding the fence and have spoken to the provincial roads department about the portions that have been vandalised.
“However every time a portion of the fence is repaired, it’s ripped open again within a few days. The residents have every right to be concerned over the crossing. It’s also dangerous for domestic workers and gardeners who are using the shortcut. I will raise the issue again with the municipality in the hope this sort of practice will stop,” he said.
De Boer urged employers to tell their workers not to cross the freeway illegally.
A local resident who contacted Northglen News last week said there could be more fatalities if no action is taken.
“You see people run across the freeway on a daily basis. We have pavements and walkways for a reason. Some of the domestic workers say they have to walk further if they want to go to work, so they would rather use the shortcut because it’s easier. This is ridiculous, their lives are at risk and they are dicing with death,” he said.
