After several requests to Johannesburg Roads Agency to install Armco barriers along Vereeniging Service Road, they eventually complied. We are very grateful as there was no safety railing between the Vereeniging Service Road and the R82, which are separated by quite a steep embankment.
But it is the manner in which they installed it that is a concern to the residents living along this stretch of road. It was clearly indicated on a sketch by myself, Clr Peter Stewart, that the barriers be installed behind the pavement, to leave the pavement easily accessible for cleaning and grass cutting, and also to divert traffic on this road should there be a problem.
The officials were adamant that they have to follow the road and put the barriers up on the sidewalk. They said they could not deviate. Officials are now prohibiting residents from attending to the maintenance of this pavement and passengers waiting for the metro bus have to virtually stand in the street.
Another problem is the fact that the street is so narrow now, that should there be an obstruction or accident along this road, there will be no space to park or divert any traffic.
It is beyond us that the JRA officials could not recognise these problems and that as professionals weren’t even prepared to listen to the residents’ contributions, which are logically correct.
Clr Peter Stewart, DA ward 125 PR Councillor
