‘Open manhole took everything from me’
Resident explains how he lost his work and home after falling into an open manhole.
Falling into a manhole can have far-reaching consequences.
Ask Barend van Zyl, an elderly resident who claimed he had lost everything after falling into an open manhole two years ago. The Herald came across van Zyl after investigating open manholes this past week.
Van Zyl explains that the date was 19 June 2013 while he was walking to work that he fell into the manhole. Two women of all people then helped him out.
“I was in hospital for six weeks. First in Paardekraal and then in Leratong. I spent two weeks in traction. My leg was scraped open and suffered a broken vertebrae in my back.
“I used to work on a mine but because I got these injuries, I lost my work. There is no way someone with a back as bad as mine can walk such far distances underground. After I lost my work, I also lost my home because I no longer had money to pay for it.”
Van Zyl is now a car guard who lives from day-to-day with the change he gets from grateful motorists.
“I wanted to claim from the municipality but they told me I have to get a lawyer. I couldn’t afford to get a lawyer. I was out of work and had no money. At that point I just decided to give up on claiming.”
The Randfontein Local Municipality has since been approached for comment regarding the open manhole situation in Randfontein.
According to Tshidiso Tlharipe, spokesperson for the Randfontein Executive Mayor, “When stock is available, the turnaround time is one hour after information received, but currently we are out of stock and awaiting the completion of the procurement processes.”
When asked if there are any plans in place to prevent future theft Tlharipe said, “We are currently using non-recyclable material.”
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