A massive hole on Dolfhout Road in Weltevreden Park has become a source of frustration and concern for residents who are fed up with the lack of service delivery by government entities.
According to RiverWel Residents Association (RA) spokesperson Neville Burnett, the hole was dug initially by Johannesburg Water (JW) to repair a burst pipe and has been left unfilled and unrepaired for three and a half months, forcing residents to use alternative routes.
Despite numerous calls logged, residents have been met with slow responses or contractors who merely inspect the hole before leaving it as is.
“Residents are worried about the safety of pedestrians, especially children and the elderly.
“This situation is not only inconvenient but also hazardous, as the deep hole poses a risk of injury or even death if someone were to fall into it. It is unacceptable that we have to live like this, and unfortunately, we can’t find a way to fill the hole ourselves.
“Residents pay their rates and taxes. and it’s the responsibility of JW and Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) to ensure our infrastructure is safe and well-maintained,” Burnett said. Burnett told the Roodepoort Northsider that residents have raised their concerns about similar issues in the area where JW would leave jobs undone for months.
“We cannot afford to wait any longer for these entities to take action. Three months is a very long time for a job that can be done in a week. We need permanent solutions, not just a quick fix or empty promises,” said Kevin Thomson, a RiverWel RA member.
Until then, residents will continue to navigate their way with alternative routes in hopes that no one gets injured. They urge these entities to take immediate action to fill the hole and restore the road to safe and usable conditions.
The Northsider contacted both JW and JRA for comment, but at the time of publication, none has been received yet.
