Yet more complaints have been pouring in against the ANC-led Tshwane Council and ANC Ward Councillor, Naeem Patel, concerning poor service delivery in Ward 61.
This time residents have complained to the Laudium Sun about growing deepening cracks on the street, with an area on the side of the street starting to collapse, saying that they fear it could soon lead to a huge sinkhole. The residents of Sesmylspruit Street in Erasmia say they fear that a serious danger is looming and the safety of residents is at risk. According to the fearful residents, the deepening cracks on the street are caused by the Tshwane Council’s poor management of worn out and leaking water pipes underground, which leaks are rapidly spreading, causing more sections of the street to crack each day, resulting in more deepening cracks.
Sesmylspruit Str, Erasmia with fears of a looming sinkhole forming, due to leaking water pipes.
Residents also say that the issue of the leaking underground pipes has been ongoing for years, which has been reported to the Council and Cllr Patel multiple times, but no action has been taken. The community is now calling for urgent intervention before the damage becomes irreversible or causes injury.
Ravin Surajlal, a resident of Sesmylspruit Street, Erasmia, told the Laudium Sun, “The cracks on the street which have resulted due to leaking pipes, are getting worse and are in a very dangerous condition. We are experiencing constant water disruptions in our area, due to the poor management of the water pipe system. The main cause of these cracks in the area, is the lack of proper maintenance and control over water pressure, which has led
to this disaster. This issue didn’t just start now. It has been ongoing due to poorly maintained pipes that handle high water pressure. Because of mismanagement by the Council, a part of the street is in danger of caving in, with the ground on the pavement of the street starting to sink. The cracks are now spreading further down the street. The
service from the Council is extremely poor and they clearly don’t consider the danger this situation poses to ordinary residents. The street is being destroyed and it’s dangerous. We can’t even walk safely on the street because parts of it may collapse at any time. This is a serious hazard, especially for children and the elderly. Vehicles also pass through here every day and I truly believe the entire street is at risk of caving in, if nothing is done. The Councillor needs to act immediately. This is a matter of public safety and we cannot continue living like this.”
Maryni Breitendach of Sesmylspruit Street, told the Laudium Sun, “This situation is extremely dangerous for all of us. The cracks on our street are spreading rapidly and at any moment, the entire street could collapse and the danger of a huge sinkhole is fast becoming a reality. It’s already at a critical level and it’s causing havoc in our community. We can’t go for walks or jogs anymore, it’s just not safe. The Council has been promising to fix this for years, but no one has ever come out to properly assess or address the issue. We are tired of empty promises. Personally, I’m scared to even step onto the street, because I worry it could cave in beneath me. If these cracks aren’t attended to urgently, not only will the entire street collapse, due to a huge sinkhole that is looming, but even the backyards and homes nearby could begin to collapse as well. This is a very serious threat to the
safety of our whole community and the Council must act immediately.”
Mogamat Lagardien, also of Sesmylspruit Street, told the Laudium Sun, “We are extremely frustrated with the Council’s empty promises. As you can see, the street can cave in anytime now because of the leaking underground water pipes. If this matter isn’t resolved soon, it may be too late for the Council and for the people living here. The entire street is cracking and it’s on the verge of a complete collapse. The Council and Cllr Patel need to give this matter their priority and have the leaking pipe and cracks on the street attended to immediately, before a huge catastrophe occurs resulting in injuries and damages.”
Attempts to get a comment from Cllr Patel were unsuccessful.