Unmarked ditch causes damage to cars

The absence of warning signs where contractors of Polokwane Municipality are engaged in road and infrastructure repairs is starting to take its toll with at least two vehicles being damaged on the corner of Landdros Maré and Bodenstein streets yesterday (Wednesday) morning when driving into an unmarked ditch.
Two employees of Polokwane Observer who travelled to work in the early hours of the morning became victims of the continuous hazardous situation in the City of Stars.
With no warning signs at a ditch which formed about halfway across Landdros Maré Street and masses of water flowing from what seems to be a burst pipe, Polokwane Observer employee, Herman Meyer’s vehicle fell to its chassis into the ditch. Water also flowed into the vehicle and a private vehicle had to be used to tow the vehicle from the trench. About half an hour earlier another employee had a close call when driving thought the ditch causing possible damage to a wheel.
On the scene a Police officer informed that he had also accidentally driven into the ditch and that he waited for daylight to return in the hope of finding a piece of his vehicle’s bumper which broke off in the incident.
Issues surrounding the endless construction work across the city have been highlighted in the media for months. Polokwane Municipality Marketing and Communications Manager Matshidiso Mothapo said the ditch was caused by a burst water pipe and not construction work currently happening in the city.
The pipe apparently burst early yesterday and was attended to once reported. The road was also closed for motorists. The water section of the municipality also attended the scene to repair the pipe, according to Mothapo.
“Regarding construction sites protection, the municipality is doing its best to ensure that contractors adhere to the safety measures. There are consultants and project managers who are monitoring the construction sites and will deal with instances of non-adherence. The incident is unfortunate,” he said.

Story: RC Myburgh
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