The allure of fresh tar was apparently too much for some pertrol-heads over the weekend.
Draper Street was opened, and not even a week later, the tarmac became a drag-strip for some drivers. Reports streamed in that illegal racing would occur on the new stretch of road, and sources within the community confirmed the racing.
When the street was opened last week, some residents voiced their concern over the fact that there were no speed humps on the road. Municipal Senior Executive Director, Sandile Dube, at the time responded, and said speed humps were catered for, and would be laid down in the weeks to come.
“We have made provisions for the speed humps. The road is new, and we don’t want it to be damaged by heavy vehicles or racers. We want it to stand the test of time,” said Mr Dube.
Ward 3 Councillor, and one of the key members in the construction of Draper Street, Matthew Shunmugam, had also foreseen this as a possible problem. He explained that besides the dangers drag racing posed to the drivers, there was a school nearby, and many pedestrians walk through the area.
“With this in mind we planned sidewalks and speed humps for the area. The illegal drag racers should understand the damages their racing causes, and the dangers it poses.”
Protection Services were notified about the matter, but the racers had allegedly made their getaway before their arrival. Many community members have called for closer policing regarding this matter.
