RESIDENTS in Brackendowns are concerned about the many open manholes, many of whose covers are lost due to theft.
“We don’t know if the manhole covers were stolen or removed, but we feel it is dangerous. In Bowkeria Street there is a total of four open manholes,” said a Brackendowns resident who wishes to stay anonymous.
Residents have barricaded some of the manholes to warn pedestrians and motorists.
Thieves also steal manhole covers to resell them.
Open manholes create a hazard for pedestrians as it is also an attractive nuisance for small children and pets.
“Open manholes is a serious threat to the lives of residents and motorists. The open manholes can cause an accident at any time,” the resident complained. “The issues have been reported, but residents did not receive any reference number for their call.”
Although it may seem like fun, opening manhole covers is a dangerous business.
In an article on Kishwaukee Water Reclamation District’s website, the article states it was unsafe for anyone not properly equipped, trained and monitored, to enter any manhole. “Accumulations of gases can cause asphyxiation in an instant. There is no warning.”
Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) spokesperson Themba Gadebe said the metro was experiencing an ongoing problem of theft of cast iron manhole covers.
“In total, 41 manholes were stolen since October 1 in the Alberton area. Since July 1, a total of 706 were stolen from sewer manholes in the whole of Ekurhuleni and 136 in the Alberton area,” Gadebe said.
What is EMM planning to do about this?
“Originally we replaced them with concrete covers, but they (thieves) started to steal them as well for their reinforcement steel inside the concrete cover. Where possible we install polymer and/or lockable lids at a very high cost to prevent theft of the covers.”
What does EMM want residents to do?
“Please report as soon as possible to the Services Call Centre at 086 054 3000 for the replacement but to SAPS or EMPD when you see anybody taking it.”
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