Johannesburg - Good news for Joburg pedestrians and motorists - the Johannesburg Roads Agency is finally introducing non-metal manhole covers and drainage grates to replace the metal ones that are stolen regularly.
The JRA is starting the rollout of alternative manhole covers that have no monetary value.
Motorists and pedestrians have for years been plagued with having to avoid uncovered manholes on pavements and in streets.
There have been many reports about people being injured by falling into the uncovered holes and motorists sustaining damages to their vehicles and tyres.
The JRA is implementing an initiative to replace all cast-iron and steel manhole covers and drainage grates with alternative materials such as ductile iron, plastic, fibre glass and polymer.
The new materials will weigh about three-quarters less than the existing covers, which can weigh in excess of 140kg.
They are more robust, carry the JRA-branded logo, have no significant resale value and comply with JRA and SABS specifications.
JRA acting managing director Mpho Kau said the roads agency had piloted the alternative manhole covers in selected areas citywide, and the results proved positive.
He said the specification had been approved and alternative products were being procured.
HUGE COST OF THEFT
“Because of the market value of the metals, they have become the targets of thieves and vandals. The problem with this type of theft is global, and generally worsens when the price of scrap metal is high,” he said.
The city and the JRA are experiencing huge financial losses due to theft of its steel roads infrastructure assets such as manhole covers and frames, kerb inlet covers, water meter covers, sewer manhole covers, channel posts and guard rails, traffic poles, bridge railings and others.
Over the past 12 months, 3200 missing manhole covers were reported. Stolen manhole covers cost the JRA a substantial amount of money and, during the 2013/214 financial year, it spent R2.9 million on covers.
“This spate of infrastructure theft and vandalism is a direct sabotage and devaluation of the city’s infrastructure assets and poses a safety hazard to road users.
“The missing covers on walkways and roads create a huge problem for pedestrians and other road users, including small children who have fallen into the manholes and stormwater channels and have been fatally injured.
“As an interim measure, once the JRA is notified of open manholes, it barricades the area to secure the hole and warn the community,” he said.
Kau said the JRA condemned illegal scrap metal dealers who were complicit in the increasing assault on the city’s infrastructure and urged dealers to examine the metals before accepting them.
“We appeal to scrapyard owners not to purchase city and JRA assets from criminals,” Kau said.
“Residents are requested to report all acts of vandalism and theft of road infrastructure to the City of Joburg’s call centre at 0860 562 874 or report these criminal activities to the SAPS or JMPD.”
The Star