Incomplete reinstatements are a hazard for the elderly and people who never look up from their phones
Ward 73 councilor Daniel Schay says the water pipe replacement project is nearing its completion stage.
Sandringham resident, Anthony Baas fell and bruised parts of his body after tripping on neglected and dangerous pavements.
Baas said the pavements on George Avenue in Sandringham have become a hazard to elderly and disabled residents in the area.
“A few days ago, whilst walking back from the shops, I tripped and grazed my knees and wrist. If any other elderly resident had fallen, I am sure they would suffer more than broken bones.”
Ward 73 councilor Daniel Schay explained that the poor conditions of the pavements were due to water piping projects which were in their final stages.
“There are water pipe replacement projects currently taking place but are nearing the completion stage. We’ve replaced the majority of the water pipes in Glenhazel and Sandringham but will soon be repairing and reinstating pavements where it was dug up.”
ALSO READ: Pedestrians angered by crumbling pavement infrastructure
Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA)’s Operations marketing manager and communications, Bertha Peters-Scheepers added that repair work would first need to be completed, and the area would need to be sufficiently dry before reinstatement could begin.
Schay noted that the reinstatement of pavements was taking a long time because the project had multiple phases to it which would have to be completed first.
Peters-Scheepers said Johannesburg Water was responsible for the reinstatement of roads and pavements, “Joburg Water was issued with a wayleave permit to enable them to work on the road, and road reserve in order to undertake necessary emergency repair work. The wayleave permit conditions outline the responsibilities of the contractor, as well as timeframes for reinstatement, and these include taking measures to ensure the safety of road users and pedestrians, as well as ensuring responsibility for full reinstatement of the road and road reserve. “
The Gazette reached out to Johannesburg Water on November 8 for comment relating to the pavement timeline reinstatement. At the time of publication, no comment had been received.
ALSO READ: Houghton residents plead with the JRA to fix damage Glenhove pavement
