Residents block alternative road after Boy Low bridge becomes impassable
"Our lives, and those of our children are also at risk because of the speed that these people go through here."
SHARPEVILLE. – For the safety of their children and the health of the community members, the residents of Kensington Section, in Sharpeville have blocked an alternative road that passes through their section after the road under Boy Louw bridge has become impassable for almost a month now.
The road under the bridge on Boy Low Road towards Vereeniging has for years been problematic, and a headache to motorists. There is water that apparently comes from the pipes or valves under the bridge which leads to the flooding of the road.
Recently it has led to huge potholes that can not be seen due to the amount of water. Many vehicles have become stuck under the bridge leading to passengers having to get off and literally walking in the icy water. Due to this, motorists resorted to taking an alternative route that passes through Sharpeville, between the Phelandaba Cemetery and Kensington Section.
This has become a source of concern for residents as they complain of the dust that the sudden and unusual traffic is causing. They are also complaining about the vehicles speeding, which could soon lead to accidents and possibly, a loss of lives. The residents have taken to the streets and blocked the road with stones, and burning tyres preventing motorists from passing through.
“This road has never seen so many people using it. Our health is at risk because of the unending dust that the traffic causes. Our lives, and those of our children are also at risk because of the speed that these people go through here,” the residents said.
They implored the Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) to fix the problem at Boy Louw Road.
Earlier Ward 15 Councillor, Prudence Hlanyane, called upon the relevant departments within the ELM to address the road’s condition. She expressed her worries about the lack of attention given to the Boy Louw bridge.
ELM Media Relations Officer, Chuchi Radebe acknowledged the municipality’s awareness of the road’s condition, assuring that plans are underway to address the situation.
