![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/63/2016/01/Holes2_47978.jpg)
At long last, roads damaged by water leaks are getting due attention.
In particular, a portion of Murchison Street, near the Allen Street crossing, and a large area at the intersection of Percy Riley Street and Paddock Drive, have been filled in.
However, residents have now asked when full repairs are expected.
The washing-away of Murchison Street was the result of a sub-surface pipe burst in November, and municipal staff only filled in the ‘gap’ between Christmas and the New Year.
“This is only a half job,” said one resident derisively.
James Issa, who works for a car dealership nearby, said the business experienced a water shut-off at some point, but never received any communication from the municipality.This was similar to the situation along Paddock Drive. A resident identified as Lindo, said his street went without water for two days as a result of a burst pipe last year, with the road only filled in, in December.
“It’s the first time something like this happened, but it took them a long time.”
The delay in repairs to the road surface, in particular on Murchison Street, was not according to promises made by employees within the Town Planning department.One staff member claimed a foreman had been dispatched to undertaken urgent repairs.
The Newcastle Municipality has yet to issue a formal response to this matter, or to offer reasons as to why delays took place. It is also unknown when resurfacing of the damaged roads will begin.