Kwa-Thema – Neighbours Isaiah Makhubu and Buti Mabizela said they had the best sleep since the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) erected two speed humps on Thema Road.
“The key problem was that motorists were speeding on this road. Most of them did not anticipate the sharp curve. Then they either have to brake quickly, or crash into a house.
“When they brake, we hear the screeching sound. A car has crashed into my own house,” explained Mabizela.
The men claim that more than 20 crashes have occurred in the area since 1997. Some homeowners have resorted to erecting pillars outside their homes to keep speeding motorists at bay.
“I lost a relative a few years ago, after being run over while riding his bike,” added Makhubu.
The men said they made several efforts to convince the CoE to install speed bumps. These included five petitions that kept disappearing.
“Every time we approached the roads department to ask about the petitions, they would say they never received them. We would then go back and start another one,” explained Mabizela.
The main road used to have speed bumps, which were removed when it was re-tarred more than 20 years ago. Mabizela explained, the speed humps are not just there to protect residents and their homes, but also motorists.
“The humps will force them to drive slower as they approach the bend.
Some homeowners have resorted to erecting pillars outside their homes to keep speeding motorists at bay. PHOTO CRD: Xoliswa Kali
“We don’t enjoy waking up in the middle of the night to check on a driver after a crash. We sleep better since the CoE installed the humps. There is less noise because the drivers are not speeding,” he said.
Although the men are relieved about the installation of the humps, they are not happy with how long it has taken the CoE to get the job done.
Makhubu said the curve had always posed a threat, yet was never treated as an emergency.
“How many people have died? How many fences and cars have been damaged?” he asked.
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