BUSINESS owners of Sirdar Road in Clairwood have been left frustrated by the failure of the eThekwini Municipality to close-up a hole which was left open following repairs to burst water pipes. They say numerous emails and calls to the municipality to attend to the matter has proved to be futile.
Pam Pillay, the human resources manager for a spice business, said the problem started two years ago.
“There was an underground leak and the pipes had to be replaced. However, the hole was not covered with tar, instead it was filled with sand. It must be remembered that trucks and horse-and-trailers use these roads, and with that pressure, the sand could not hold the weight which resulted in another burst pipe. The hole, which had become even bigger, started filling up with water and smelt like it was sewage. It was terrible,” she said.
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Pillay said the businesses and residents sent emails to the municipality since October last year.
“We were not receiving any joy until February, when they had sent out a department but it was the wrong one. When the roadworks department did eventually come, they drained out the hole and said they would return as they needed to get the material to repair the hole, but they have not returned to date.
“It is quite frustrating as it poses a health and safety hazard. We are a food business, and we constantly have sand blowing into the shop and factory. The stench of the water when it stands, especially on hot days, is unbearable. There are many other concerns, but all we need is for the hole to be repaired, otherwise we will lose more customers,” she said.
Kabero Bezene Kanta, a supermarket owner added: “Everyday the hole seems to be getting bigger and we fear what may happen if more of the road collapses. We will not be able to access our shops, then we will be forced to close and lose income.”
Amina Kamdar, a resident said: “When it is windy, it is the worst as the sand blows into our house. My curtains become soiled and I have to constantly wash them. It has also been very hot recently, but we cannot leave the windows or doors open because of the smell of the standing-water. We have to constantly spray air-freshener. We cannot even eat as there are also so many flies. It is really unbearable, ” she said.
The eThekwini Municipality did not respond to queries.
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