Pothole patrols: You just cannot stab these wily beasts
"It's like shooting a hippo with a dart."
Since the last ‘Pothole Patrol’ article on July 7, it can be reported that sand was used to fill in the worst of the ‘beasts’ in Victoria Street, leading up to the Dundee horse racing track (in honour of the Dundee July).
One motorist, who said he recently lost his exhaust in a ‘hole near the Tatham Street traffic circle’, was not impressed with the temporary arrangement.
“It’s like shooting a hippo with a dart.
“That beast will just get up again and start eating cars,” he said grimly.
It is understood that sand was used to fill in the holes because the municipality did not have access to crusher stone.
Since the last report, Gladstone Street (in the CBD) has ‘put up its hand’ as a contender in the heavyweight division. The tar is steadily disappearing, which has impacted on parking bays outside businesses, including Nobungani Build It. This is said to be putting off customers.
Meanwhile, Tandy Street is also starting to ‘climb up the ladder’, with huge holes appearing between Ryley and Victoria Street.
Business owners in Gladstone Street say that the shoddy condition of the road is ‘chasing away customers’.
The Biggar / Hosking Street intersection remains a challenge for those using the route to Strathmore Park, while residents of Head Street say they have ‘just about given up any hope of having their rutted road repaired’.
Meanwhile, Ward 7 Councillor Saleem Abdool says he has completed his pothole repair report (as per the last article) and is hoping that work will begin once the necessary liquid and other material is available.
Make sure you keep us informed of the latest potholes that may pop up – send photos to dundee.courier@caxton.co.za
On a more positive note, Cllr Naresh Gopie (chairman of the Municipal Public Accounts Committee) commented that after having an acting technical services manager, the municipality has appointed a new manager, Mondli Buthelezi.
“He’s new to this area, so I will be assisting him with his planned activities.
“Let’s give him a chance. We should see some action soon.”
