Local councillors raise many concerns along R24

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26-04-2023
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Bedfordview and Edenvale News
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It is believed that the lights along the highway do not work because of cable theft.

The lack of fencing along the R24 has caused great concern for councillors of Edenvale leaving residents and businesses exposed while endangering pedestrians.

According to Ward 18’s Ald Heather Hart, the problem has existed for close to 10 years but has gotten significantly worse over the last year.

Along the R24 East and West bound between the Edenvale and Barbara road bridges there are several portions, where Minuach Road and Herman Street run parallel to the highway, there is a lack of fencing.

Besides this, the Apollo lighting between these bridges does not function as it should and road markings are almost equally as poor.

It is believed that the lights along the highway do not work because of cable theft.

Hart said after alerting Gautrans last year to the lack of Armco barricades on the R24 eastbound in November a section was installed that now protects residential properties from vehicles which may veer off the R24.

Hart said because of the lack of fencing:

• Taxis and transport vehicles stop along the highway to pick up or drop off commuters.

• Community members can cross the R24 freely from either side.

• Properties are vulnerable to criminals who might make use of the lack of fencing as a quick getaway.

Reasons why there is a lack of fencing include vehicle collisions, metal theft and lack of maintenance.

Hart said instead of metal fencing erected she would ideally like to see concrete palisade walls put along the wall.

She believes this would be less likely to be stolen for scrap metal and harder to push over.

According to Ward 92 Clr Kade Guerreiro, another reason why there is no fencing along a portion of the R24 eastbound is because of the ongoing Rand Water project between the R24 and Minuach Road.

The project, which started in 2019, was implemented to replace a leaking 3km portion of the H5 pipeline, which runs from Hurleyvale to Kelvin.

In May, Rand Water estimated that the project would be completed by August, however, it is still ongoing.

At the time, Bedfordview and Edenvale News were told by spokesperson Justice Mohale that the fencing which lined the border of the R24 Eastbound would be repaired.

Despite this, Guerreiro said he has received very little information as to when the project will be completed.

He confirmed and emphasised that Rand Water must install new fencing along the highway.

Besides raising concerns about the lack of fencing, Guerreiro said recently installed valves on the new pipeline could pose a risk to a motorists who veer off the road.

A request for comment was sent to the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport, as well as Rand Water on May 20 requesting comment by May 21 by 15:30 and 15:45, respectively.

Both acknowledged receiving the requests with Rand Water stating it would comment as soon as possible.