A significant safety hazard has emerged in Hutten Heights, Newcastle. A substantial hole, measuring between three to five metres in depth, was discovered on Rooibok Avenue, situated on the thoroughfare between Pick n Pay and Checkers.
The sizeable hole has its origins in a manhole created by the Newcastle Municipality, from which sewage has been flowing unchecked into the surrounding area.
Disturbingly, the manhole in question was allegedly left incomplete, resulting in the hazardous cavity that now poses a serious threat to individuals utilising this frequently travelled thoroughfare.
New City Newcastle’s Gustav van der Linde shed light on the situation. He revealed that residents residing in the vicinity had alerted him to the perilous hole’s existence. Upon personally inspecting the site, van der Linde was stunned by the size of the void that had been left exposed.
“I then reported it to the Ward Councillor, Cllr Bertie Meiring, on 14 August 2023. If someone falls in here, no one will know. This hole poses a major safety risk,” voiced van der Linde, highlighting that several residents traverse this thoroughfare on a daily basis.
Adding to the concern, it is in the proximity of a primary school and a drinking establishment, further heightening the risks to children and individuals making their way home after enjoying a few drinks.
Despite raising the issue with the Ward Councillor early in August, no remedial action had been taken to date, leaving van der Linde deeply perturbed. “I expected something to have been done already. As an ex-senior engineer who worked in the mining industry, safety was always the main priority. But I don’t see that here,” he stressed.
Taking matters into their own hands, on Friday, 8 September 2023, Gustav van der Linde and fellow New City Newcastle member Wilson Zwane decided to intervene. They undertook the task of temporarily covering the hole with a lid and surrounded it with safety cones.
Van der Linde emphasised, “This is only a temporary solution, and the Municipality still needs to take appropriate action. However, New City Newcastle is not solely about beautifying parks; we are dedicated to creating a safe environment for all Newcastle residents.”
While the situation stands as a reminder of the importance of action in addressing public safety concerns and highlighting the role that individuals can play in ensuring the wellbeing of their community, Newcastillian News approached Cllr Bertie Meiring for comment.
He explained that the hole was indeed a manhole, where municipal officials installed a new sewage line at the back of Grace Park.
Delving into the matter further, Cllr Meiring pointed out that he has taken the matter up with the relevant departments and is waiting for feedback.
As he now awaits a response from the respective departments, Cllr Meiring said, “It is indeed a huge safety concern and should be immediately addressed by the Municipality. Even if they could put any heavy structure on it to cover it. A life worth more than the cost of a lid.”
While New City Newcastle has provided a temporary solution, Cllr Meiring has assured he would continue working on the matter until the problem is resolved.
What are your thoughts on the above mentioned? Share your views in the comment section below.
This should have been attended to immediately it is not something that can be ignored
A big thank you to Gustav and Wilson.
It is evident that rates and taxes are only appropriated to pay salaries of the municipal employees, as well as finance their excessively.luxurious vehicles.
An initiative like Newcastle New City must rely on donations, and the community, but yet Councillors scramble for votes come election time.
Again, thank you to Newcastle New City for stepping in.
On point.The whole country is in a state of decay and the responsible authorities couldn’t give a damn.
Less talking more actions from those in charge.
Are they seriously waiting for a tragic accident to happen and then deny responsibility?!
Thank you to those who found a temporary solution. You doing more than those sitting in their offices giving opinions.
The question that needs answering is: Is there a Safety Department in our Municipality??? If so they should inspect every job during and after job execution. This clearly does not happen! Here I am not talking of the Department of Health, but Safety. They are to be accountable for dangerous situations as noted above.
A new manhole was constructed months ago, but yet the work was never completed. This is now becoming the norm! It is totally unacceptable. Fences of Checkers and Majuba Lodge was damaged and removed during this work and to date nothing to rectify this has been done!
In the case that there is not a Safety department- one is to be established as a matter of urgency.