Pavement problems for residents
ILLOVO - After residents complained about the unsightly pavements in the area after work was done by an unknown contractor, a meeting was held to discuss the matter, among other issues, in the various wards.
“The (already crumbling) pavement has been left in the most shocking state; they didn’t even bother to re-tarmac.
The dug-up tarmac was just dumped on the corner,” said a resident.
According to residents, the pavements were in an appalling condition and have become a safety hazard to the community and passersby. “It’s not only unacceptable from the point of view of how it looks, but the holes in the dirt are also becoming dangerous,” said a resident.
Region B ward councillors, different municipal entities and city officials met on the 22 January to discuss concerns in the various wards.
At the meeting, which was attended by Ward 87 councillor Amanda Forsythe, the reinstatement of the pavements was discussed among other things.
Forsythe confirmed that she had been contacted by a number of residents in Parkview regarding the pavements that were dug up and have yet to be reinstated.
“It became clear in our meeting this morning that the problem lies with the Johannesburg Roads Agency, because the other departments who are digging up the pavement for construction are sending job cards to the agency and these job cards are not being actioned,” said Forsythe.
“Unfortunately, the agency’s operations manager, Andrew Bodibe, was off sick and was not able to present to the councillors as scheduled,” added Forsythe.
Ward 90 councillor Anthony Still said that while the agency remains ultimately responsible for reinstatement, it would appear that other third parties such as building contractors and cellphone companies were operating in an increasingly sloppy manner with little regard for the quality or completeness of their work.
However, residents of the area confirmed that there had been improvements after the meeting was held. “I was impressed with the speed in which they [the agency] contacted me as well as their level of knowledge and professionalism. It remains to be seen if the issues get dealt with, but I am feeling more optimistic,” said a resident of the area.
The story is still to be continued.
