Bruce Crespo, a resident and worker in the Windsor East area, found himself in a devastating situation on June 14, when his brand new car sank into floodwaters on Republic Road. The flood was a result of a burst pipe. The incident is the latest in Republic Road’s ongoing issues.
“I work near the area. I saw water and thought I’d just got through it but the car got stuck and started sinking,” recounted Crespo, reflecting on the sudden and traumatic experience.
ALSO READ: Republic Road’s latest issue traps cars in flood
“The car is brand new. I got it the same day it sank. I drove it for one day and then had to take it back,” Crespo explained, highlighting the emotional toll of the incident. “It has been so heartbreaking going through this.”
Crespo expressed serious concerns about the safety implications for his family. “At this point, the car is still being assessed. I am hoping to get a brand new car. Because I don’t feel comfortable continuing to drive a car that has had sewage in it. I wouldn’t be able to use it. I have a four-year-old and my wife is about eight weeks pregnant. So, I am concerned.
“The car was actually for my wife. It was the first time we bought a brand-new car. If we have to take it back it would be like getting a second-hand car because of the incident,” Crespo added.
ALSO READ: Potholes take over Blairgowrie roads
He also expressed worries about potential long-term damage to the vehicle’s electric components. “Who is to say that the car won’t have any problems in the future seeing as water probably impacted the electric components of the car? This has become a phobia of mine. I am concerned over the safety of my family.”
Describing the terrifying moment when his car began sinking, Crespo recalled, “It just started sinking. It was horrible. You could feel the whole earth-shaking.”
In response to the incident, Crespo promptly contacted his insurance company and Johannesburg Water, the latter of which has acknowledged the issue and initiated investigations.
ALSO READ: Bank Road Residents Association holds successful clean-up
Ward 98 councillor Beverley Jacobs, who has been advocating for improvements to the area’s infrastructure, including the sewage and road conditions, noted the seriousness of the ongoing situation. “The current state of Republic Road is unacceptable and it is one of the busier roads in our area,” Jacobs reiterated, underlining the broader safety concerns that have now directly impacted residents like Crespo.
As investigations and assessments continue, Crespo remains hopeful for a resolution that ensures his family’s safety and addresses the damages caused by the flooding incident.
