Child breaks arm, father blames municipality
A learner in the city broke his arm after he fell off his bike when he hit an open hole left unrepaired and unmarked by the Polokwane Municipality.
POLOKWANE -Willie Venter broke his arm and badly damaged his bicycle when he rode into an open hole on a pedestrian walkway next to the Landros Maré Street bridge, specifically meant to keep pedestrians and cyclists safe from the dangers of using the busy road.
Review spoke to Willie’s father, Willie Venter Sr, on his son’s injuries and his intention to get legal advice about options open to them after the accident.
According to Venter, his son was riding his bicycle home after school one evening when the accident happened.
“Because it was already dark, he did not see the hole and was thrown off the bicycle when it’s front wheel got stuck in the hole.”
Venter said the hole has been there for several months and his numerous calls to the municipality to have it repaired have yielded no results.
“My son is right-handed but because his right arm is broken, he is now forced to write exams with his left hand and this may have a negative effect on his results because he writes slower and might not be able to finish the tests in time. This could have easily been avoided if the municipality repaired the holes they make when they have finished working in an area,” Venter said.
Several other residents who also use the pedestrian walkway where the hole is located contacted Review to voice their concerns, saying the hole is a danger to people who make use of the path.
Polokwane Municipality Spokesperson, Matshidiso Mothapo, said residents should direct their complaints with regard to hazards on walkways or road surfaces to the Roads and Storm Water Department of the municipality for investigation and fixing at (015) 290 2372/3/4 and (015) 290 2095.
Mothapo said any complaint lodged against the municipality must be accompanied by supporting documents or evidence and that all claims against the institution are lodged at the Polokwane Municipality for investigation at their offices.
