INSPIRED by a spate of complaints about open manholes around East London, the Saturday Dispatch set out to investigate – and found the problem rampant.
The Dispatch ran a “Cover ’em Up” campaign a few years ago in conjunction with BCM.
The campaign saw close to 200 manholes covered throughout the metro, but since then thieves have stolen the cement blocks that replaced the original metal covers.
In Southernwood’s King Street and St Peters Road, three open manholes were spotted within a few metres of each other.
Resident Patricia Matroos said her seven-year-old son had fallen into one a few weeks ago .
“Luckily it was not that deep and he was not hurt but I was still upset ,” said Matroos.
Some open manholes were spotted in front of schools and businesses in Berea, Vincent and the CBD.
Hudson Park Primary principal Ian Lehy said he was concerned about the danger posed to pupils, especially the younger ones. “My main concern is the pupils in the foundation phases because they play around a lot,” he said.
A manhole was found open just across the road from the school.
In Station Street , there is an open manhole next to an open electricity box.
According to the general manager at RefConAir Wholesalers, Mark Delport, the manhole and electrical box have been opened for almost three years .
“BCM employees frequently come here to take metre readings and recently came to replace electrical wires that were faulty, so they are aware of this problem.
“The metro should consider using inexpensive material to make these lids so that they do not get stolen,” said Delport.
The open manhole in front of his business is about 1. 5 metres deep.
In Beacon Bay three open manholes were reported in one street and resident James Baxter broke two ribs falling into one of the them .
DA ward councillor Sandla Manciya said he receives numerous complaints from residents .
“There is a budget to cover them up – the metro just needs to implement it.” Manciya said.
By the time of going to print, BCM had not responded to questions sent . —
Manholes yawn all over BCM again
The Dispatch ran a “Cover ’em Up” campaign a few years ago in conjunction with BCM.
The campaign saw close to 200 manholes covered throughout the metro, but since then thieves have stolen the cement blocks that replaced the original metal covers.
In Southernwood’s King Street and St Peters Road, three open manholes were spotted within a few metres of each other.
Resident Patricia Matroos said her seven-year-old son had fallen into one a few weeks ago .
“Luckily it was not that deep and he was not hurt but I was still upset ,” said Matroos.
Some open manholes were spotted in front of schools and businesses in Berea, Vincent and the CBD.
Hudson Park Primary principal Ian Lehy said he was concerned about the danger posed to pupils, especially the younger ones. “My main concern is the pupils in the foundation phases because they play around a lot,” he said.
A manhole was found open just across the road from the school.
In Station Street , there is an open manhole next to an open electricity box.
According to the general manager at RefConAir Wholesalers, Mark Delport, the manhole and electrical box have been opened for almost three years .
“BCM employees frequently come here to take metre readings and recently came to replace electrical wires that were faulty, so they are aware of this problem.
“The metro should consider using inexpensive material to make these lids so that they do not get stolen,” said Delport.
The open manhole in front of his business is about 1. 5 metres deep.
In Beacon Bay three open manholes were reported in one street and resident James Baxter broke two ribs falling into one of the them .
DA ward councillor Sandla Manciya said he receives numerous complaints from residents .
“There is a budget to cover them up – the metro just needs to implement it.” Manciya said.
By the time of going to print, BCM had not responded to questions sent . —
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