The damage to Dawie van Rensburg’s vehicle enough to make him furious about all the open manholes in the Springs central business district.
The open manhole on the corner of Eleventh and Fifth avenues left him with a burst tyre and damage to the rear of the vehicle.
Although Dawie paid for the damage himself, he still wants to know who is going to to take responsibility for the damages to vehicles caused by open manholes.
Metro spokesman Themba Gadebe says prospective claimants should submit their claims to Simon.Zgambo@Ekurhuleni.gov.za or call him on 011 999 6541.
Claims should be accompanied by three quotes for repairs, proof of vehicle ownership, copy of driver’s license, and a letter from owners’ insurers that he or she is going to claim from them or an affidavit in the absence of the insurance.
Gadebe says the claimant should provide a detailed description of pothole location.
Submission of claims does not imply automatic settlement.
Claims are sent to the metro’s insurance brokers who consider merits based on claims detail as well as a departmental report from the roads department and make a ruling to either offer a settlement or reject the claim.
Gadebe says keeping in mind that claimants whose claims are rejected may appeal against the ruling through written appeal if they are of opinion that facts were omitted when the claim was originally considered.
According to a shop owner, Ricky Naidoo, several vehicles were damaged over the past months due to this open manhole.
He claims the one vehicle had to be towed away.
“Motorists will be pleased that the metro fixed the manhole during the week,” he says.
