TIRED of potholes on the roads in their community, some Felekisi residents got together on Sunday, January 16 and repaired them.
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Resident Sbusiso Dladla said he and other young men came together and contributed R30 each, bought cement, and started fixing the main road themselves.
“These roads have been bad for many years and it has been getting worse. The municipality has done nothing to fix the problem while cars keep getting damaged,” he said.
By rolling up their sleeves and getting down to work, Sbusiso said he hopes what they are doing will inspire other communities as well. “We want this to be a continuous thing and we will be expanding it to other things in our community that need fixing.”
Meanwhile, eThekwini Municipality’s spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela said no one is allowed to repair potholes themselves, as this could pose a danger to motorists and damage vehicles.
“For potholes on any of our roads, we ask that residents report these to the city as these are attended to as soon as we know about them. The Roads and Stormwater Department falls within the Engineering Unit and operates from 23 depots in six regions within the eThekwini area. The department is primarily responsible for the effective maintenance of roads and stormwater systems,” he said.
He added that all complaints related to the repair and maintenance of municipal roads, including potholes and the stormwater system, may be directed to the relevant department using the toll-free number 080 131 3013, or email eservices@durban.gov.za.
Upon hearing this, Sbusiso said he was not aware that what they have been doing is against the bylaws but said they had no other option.
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