Bryanston resident hopes to prevent further loss through manhole cover project

A Bryanston resident is working to create positive change along the Braamfontein Spruit after a dog tragically fell into an uncovered manhole.

Barry Cribb, who lives near the Spruit, was inspired to start the Braamfontein Spruit Rehabilitation Project three years ago. He believed that he could make a positive impact along the Spruit and now has two full-time employees working along the spruit six days a week to keep about a 5km stretch clean.

The Sandton Chronicle featured the story about Buddy, a dog that was lost when he fell into an uncovered manhole (Prevent further loss, Week ending 10 May). The incident, which took place during a park run, left many people traumatised.

Cribb, who spends a great deal of his time working along the Spruit, said there were about 30 manholes spread along a 5km distance and he wanted to try find a possible solution to prevent further incidents.

The theft of manhole covers has been a widely reported issue in Johannesburg, however, Cribb said he did not believe that theft was the problem.

“The covers don’t fit properly and that is the major problem,” he said. “Many of them have been replaced but because they don’t fit properly they’re easy to move. They’re not really being stolen anymore but many guys climb down the drains to fish for things in the water.”

He added that people climbed down into the manholes and used magnets to try to find metal items and then did not replace the covers. Cribb devised a prototype which includes two metal ‘straps’ that go over the manhole to discourage people from lifting them while still allowing Joburg Water access to the manhole should they need it.

“With the amount of activity we have along the spruit, and the fact that there are fewer people living here now, I think it’s going to be successful.”

Cribb highlighted that it would be a great business opportunity for a young, unemployed person and he envisioned many projects along the spruit which would not only improve the condition of the spruit but provide employment opportunities.

He said following the outrage about the tragic incident, he hoped people would want to get involved and be a part of the solution. So far he said about six straps have been sponsored by residents.

Isaac Dhludhlu, the communications manager for Joburg Water, said while it was the responsibility of Joburg Water to ensure that all manholes were covered, as far as he was aware, there was nothing preventing residents from getting involved.

Dhludhlu did, however, urge residents to report all open manholes to their nearest Joburg Water depot.

For more information about the manhole covers visit the Braamfontein Spruit Rehabilitation Project on Facebook.

Share your thoughts on Barry Cribb’s proposed solution on the Sandton Chronicle Facebook page

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https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/225262/tragedy-strikes-bryanston-dog-owner-during-park-run/