The issue of unmaintained roads damaging the vehicles of local motorists' continues to irk the community, with many residents complaining that they have to fork out hundreds, sometimes thousands, of Rands at a time to repair damage to their cars.
Last Wednesday, March 21, the Laudium Sun received more complaints of new potholes throughout the Laudium and Erasmia area and those which were developing on the road leading into the Laudium Stadium. Residents also complained about how the issue of potholes and a ditch affected the cars of sporting enthusiasts entering the stadium, which is referred to as the Delfos Grounds.
Speaking to the Laudium Sun, one of the complainants, Joey Dorasamy (24) from Marble Street fumed, “I took a walk to the Laudium stadium to watch one of the local schools having their sports day. As I entered, I saw a car that, upon trying to enter the stadium, attempted to avoid the ditch at the entrance, but hit his tyre. Many local residents have complained that they can't use their cars to go into the stadium as the deep ditch runs across the entire road. They have to take walks from home which is quite a distance, or park outside, due to the large ditch right in front of the gate and smaller potholes along the way. This is unacceptable as many residents use the grounds to train for soccer and also for those daily evening walks,” Joey said. The infuriated Joey continued, “It's also dangerous for youngsters who train for soccer in the evenings. They may not notice the potholes and ditch in the dark. A lot of locals also come to watch soccer matches on Sundays, to pass time, but who will come here if they have to park their car outside and walk so far into the stadium, to avoid the bad road. Something needs to be done. It's not just the stadium but also the Military Road that has so many potholes, and for so long now it's still the same and nothing has been done.” Joey went on to complain to the Laudium Sun, “Don’t these council people realise that potholes and ditches lead to sinkholes, which is happening so often around here these days. No one is taking note of these problems that can cause a huge sinkhole and then pose a danger to our community,” concluded the highly upset Joey.
The Laudium Sun spoke to Councillor Essop about the community's concerns regarding the potholes and ditch leading to the stadium. “I will personally look into the matter,” Essop said, “I know community members use these grounds daily and I'll try my best to make sure it is fixed as soon as possible.”
Joey Dorasamy said he witnessed the driver of a car hit his car tyre while trying to avoid a ditch at the stadium.
Visitors to the Laudium Stadium are welcomed by a ditch running across the road.