Pillar to post road claim is settled

HOUGHTON – When Helgard Marais drove his car over a trench dug across 11th Avenue in February this year, he knew from the sound and impact something had gone wrong.

It was easy enough for Marais to have all four damaged rims and tyres replaced at a cost of more than R20 000, but the real battle began when he tried to claim for damages from the city council.

“I read a Gazette article about a motorist whose car was damaged by that same trench. I contacted ward councillor Marcelle Ravid, who advised me to lodge a claim with the Johannesburg Roads Agency,” he said.

However, Marais was pushed from pillar to post. The roads agency denied digging the trench and referred him to Johannesburg Water.

“The roads agency initially said I should contact Marsh Insurance brokers to follow up on my claim. I spoke to one of their consultants who told me the roads agency wasn’t responsible for the trench and the claim would not be paid out. She suggested I watch where I drive in future,” said Marais.

Marais was referred to Johannesburg Water, but after he submitted a claim to the entity, he was told they were not responsible for the trench either.

He contacted Ravid, who told him she had heard City Power may have been responsible.

After submitting a claim to City Power, Johannesburg Water contacted Marais and told him they had dug the trench.

Ravid said she was disappointed with the city council’s initial response.

“It sounds like there was a breakdown in communication between the departments. It’s shabby, and I don’t think they should treat people like that,” she said.

Marsh’s Guy Jameson said that there had been some difficulty between the roads and water entities, but that it had been resolved.

Speaking about the consultant who suggested Marais watch where he drives in future, Jameson said, “I apologise for that. I don’t think she meant it that way.”

Luckily for Marais, the claim will be settled.

“Johannesburg Water emailed me a settlement letter, which I signed and sent back to them. I’ll receive approximately R29 000, an amount based on the claim I submitted, as there’s more work to be done on my car. I think it’s reasonable,” he said.