The Ekurhuleni Metro’s ongoing failure to repair the Stoffberg subway in Brakpan creates a serious risk for motorists and is literally an accident waiting to happen.
Despite repeated warnings and formal pleas from the Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) in January after floods rendered the underpass virtually unusable, not a finger has been lifted to start repairs.
And no warning signs have been erected to alert road users to the danger either.
The party is particularly concerned about visitors who are unfamiliar with the town and hazardous road conditions.
During an oversight visit to the subway on 5 February, it was evident that motorists have to swerve dangerously and sometimes even drive on the sidewalk to avoid potholes and the degraded road surface. This not only puts vehicles at risk of damage, but also endangers the lives of pedestrians and children.
Ekurhuleni’s dereliction, despite being aware of the problem, puts the Metro in an extremely vulnerable position and exposes it to legal suits for damages.
In 2024, the Johannesburg High Court ruled that the Metro must pay more than R750 000 to a motorcyclist who was seriously injured as result of a pothole. The Court found the Metro negligent for failing to repair the pothole or erect warning signs, despite being aware of it.
The Freedom Front Plus has again written to the Mayor, Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, and the head of Roads and Transport, Lehlohonolo Gomo, requesting that the matter be urgently addressed.
Until the necessary repairs have been done and safety measures implemented, the Freedom Front Plus calls on motorists to exercise extreme caution, use alternative routes where possible and remain on the lookout for pedestrians and schoolchildren in the area.
The party will keep up the pressure, through the Council and other channels, to ensure the Metro takes responsibility and steps to prioritise the safety of residents and road users.
