The eThekwini Municipality is expected to commence repairs to a road in Cato Manor, on Monday, one year after it was damaged by a burst pipe.
Eskotene Grove in Bonela has become a sight for sore eyes for residents and a danger to motorists since the road surface was damaged in January 2024.
Municipality spokesperson Gugu Sisilana said there was an initial underground water leak which had caused extensive damage by undermining the layer works of a long section of Eskotene Grove.
Sisilana said that the eThekwini roads department had commenced repairs to a section after which a second leak caused undermining to the section that was resurfaced.
On reasons as to why the roads department delayed in repairing the road, Sisilana said the department was liaising with the eThekwini water department to coordinate the proper layer works for the reinstatement to be undertaken.
“The roads department has identified this work. Due to the extent of the damage, the work will be undertaken in sections, with work commencing from 10 February 2025,” she said.
Eskotene Grove is one of the main roads in the Bonela area used by residents and public transport. Also pedestrians such as school children from the Bonela Primary and Secondary School.
According to residents, during the course of the year plastic barricades placed by the roads department to block access to the road were removed or stolen. Motorists use this road by avoiding the sink holes.
“The damaged section was identified and cordoned off with yellow barriers to ensure safety of motorists and pedestrians, but this was removed by unknown persons without the City’s consent or authority. The affected sections will again be cordoned by the City,” Sisilana said.
EThekwini ward 30 councillor Warren Burne described the delay to repairs as part of the breakdown in municipal management.
“It is shocking that the municipality has still not repaired the road surface. I personally have reported the road condition to the relevant departments. They have shown no interest in conducting the repair. Residents poured sand into the holes to prevent the damage from getting worse. Both the water and roads departments are pointing fingers at one another while the residents and motorists lives are put in danger,” Burne said.
