A massive hole left by Johannesburg Water along Lewes Road in Westdene just before the bridge has residents concerned for the safety of motorists and pedestrians.
The hole has been dug as part of an infrastructure upgrade in the area. It has been in its current form for several weeks according to resident Mark Napier.
Napier lives nearby and together with others is responsible for the locking of Westdene Park said. “It is only a matter of time before something terrible happens here because this hole is big enough to engulf a vehicle. Pedestrians also walk nearby if they want to use the bridge over the dam.”
In March last year, an elderly couple drove into a massive hole left by Johannesburg Water in Greymont and suffered severe injuries and damage to their car. Fears by some are that this excavation may unwittingly cause a similar crash.
However, not all residents are as critical of Johannesburg Water, commending the entity for keeping businesses and residents updated throughout the process. Richard Griffin and his partner own Emzini, a flourishing restaurant opposite where the hole is situated. He said, “The work being carried out by Johannesburg Water is part of a much-needed infrastructure upgrade project.”
He told the Northcliff Melville Times that a 1000m pipe is being laid to replace the old and crumbling asbestos pipes. “The pipes run through the park all the way up to Perth Road and we are thrilled this work is being carried out. Workers are on site daily and we are being kept in the loop as to progress being made.”
While he and others understand it is a large undertaking, everyone hopes it can be completed as quickly as is reasonable to expect.
Questions were sent to Johannesburg Water on March 20. The entity failed to respond by the deadline of March 22. Despite follow-ups, no reply had been received at the time of going to print.
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