WALKING on top of a water pipe is the only option that the residents of KwaMashu K section and Richmond Farm in KZN have.
This huge pipe which supplies water to these areas is dangerous. Residents said two men have died and several others have been injured while walking on this pipe to get to the side of their area.
But these residents have no choice as it is the only way they can use when walking to and from these two areas. The recent incident was of a man who slipped, fell and hit the rocks at the bottom and died on Sunday, 10 September.
Resident Zakhele Sibeko (60) told Daily Sun they've been promised by the councillor that a proper bridge would be built more than a year ago, but nothing has happened.
"We use this route of the pipe because it's the shortest way to get to the mall and areas around us. But a lot of people have been injured and two have died. Very old and young kids don't use this route because they fear falling," he said.
He said their plea is to have a safe bridge.
"Several councillors of this ward know about this. The current councillor promised to make sure that the bridge is built but nothing has happened. We appeal that he does something before another person gets killed. People die because distance from the pipe to the ground is very long. There are also big rocks at the bottom. So when someone hits the ground by the head they die," he said.
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He said the pipe has now started to leak underneath it, making it more dangerous because it might collapse while people cross over it.
"The man who fell and died on Sunday was renting a room and had recently arrived there. The other man fell and died last year November," he said.
Another resident, Nomfundo Dlamini (44), said she has decided to stop using the pipe route because she fears that she will fall like the other people.
"Walking on the pipe is dangerous. On a rainy day, most people fall because it's slippery. I've decided to stop using it, now I take an Uber to get to the mall. If I don't have money for one, I stay at home because I can't risk it," she said.
Councillor Nhlanhla Sibisi said he is aware of the matter.
"I'm waiting for the municipality to attend to this matter and the bridge will be built. I also went to the scene where a man fell and died. It's sad that people die, but I appeal to residents to be patient," he said.
KZN police spokeswoman Lieutenant-Colonel Nqobile Gwala confirmed that Ntuzuma police registered an inquest docket following an incident that occurred at Mpisi Road. Gwala said it is alleged that a man was crossing the river when he slipped and fell on the rocks, and reportedly died on the scene.
