There is a hole in our home
MALANSHOF – These depressions on the storm-water infrastructure are unsecured and dangerous for residents and commuters within the suburb.
An estimated 3m-deep hole at a residential property in Malanshof has been frustrating residents over the past 18 months.
The hole is a result of the storm-water infrastructure that experienced a series of depressions along the route due to leakage in its system and the design of manholes.
This has caused a junction box at the property in Hans Schoeman and at Spar Shopping Centre on the corner of Philip Le Roux and Hans Schoeman to collapse.
These depressions were unsecured and dangerous for residents and commuters within the suburb.
Homeowner Helen Ross explained that she could not sell her house. “I can’t allow my grandchildren to visit. I fear they will play at the garden site and they might fall into that hole,” she said.
She complained that dealing with Joburg Road Agency (JRA) was so frustrating. “I have reported this problem almost 18 months ago and nothing has been done. They (JRA) told me that they’ve been waiting for money to be allocated and that they need to appoint a contractor,” she concluded.
Apparently an emergency funding was approved and allocated to fix the hole.
Ward 104 Councillor Mike Wood said JRA inspected the problem when it was escalated to them.
He explained that the City promised that they would have the consultant and the contractor and were supposed to start the project before December.
“It took the City only three days to fix the sink hole in Hans Schoeman but it is taking in excess of 18 months for them to fix this pipe,” he explained.
Read the story: Caution! Hans Schoeman sink hole
JRA spokesperson Bertha Peters-Scheepers explained that unfortunately, the damage of the storm water pipe was of such a nature that maintenance or temporary remedial work undertaken by the JRA’s regional depot alone, would not suffice.
“The project will require remedial work of a Capex nature and as such a contractor will be appointed,” she said.
She concluded that while an emergency contractor was being appointed, the JRA depot has secured the area to ensure the safety of residents. “We thank the community for their patience while due procurement processes is being followed,” she concluded.
Details: Joburg Road Agency, 011 298 5023; Ward 104 Councillor Mike Wood, 082 853 2174.
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