Residents of Helikon Park are upset about an open manhole at the intersection of Horingbek and Jan Fiskaal Avenues, saying it is a disaster waiting to happen.
Boet van der Wath, one of the residents, whose property is located near the hole, said he already witnessed two accidents in the three weeks the manhole had been left open.
“A woman was admitted to a hospital after falling into the hole. She was badly hurt,” Van der Wath said.
He said a car also got stuck in the hole. “We had to use manpower to lift vehicle from it. Besides causing serious injuries or even someone’s death, this hole can cause serious damage to vehicles,” he said. “Motorists and pedestrians are in serious danger.”
Van Der Wath added how frustrating it is that there has not been any response from the municipality with regard to the issue, despite it having been reported.
“What is even worse is that this is a very busy intersection. Many motorists are at risks because one needs to go into the oncoming lane to avoid hitting the hole, posing the danger of head-on collisions. Image how bad it is for those drivers who do not know about the hole,” he added.
Van Der Wath said he had no choice but to mark the open hole with branches to warn drivers of it.
