The Gauteng department of local government on Sunday announced it would be looking into closing all open manholes that were no longer in use.
This follows the death of Mpho Raliete (3) of Katlehong on the East Rand, who died after falling into a manhole on Friday.
”The department will disperse its disaster management team to meet with the Ekurhuleni emergency services with the view of closing all manholes,” spokesperson Themba Sepotokela said.
”The department’s community development workers will assist in identifying all the open manholes in the areas that they operate and the department, with the municipality, will ensure that they are either barricaded or closed, depending on whether there’s still work that needs to be done.”
The toddler, from Sunrise section, was walking with three friends when he fell into the hole near his home on Friday. The hole was apparently hidden by long grass.
According to the South African Broadcasting Corporation, the child’s body was washed through the sewage line and found 15km away at the treatment plant in
Kliprivier.
Sepotokela said the department would launch an investigation into the drowning and all allegations raised by community members.
”Based on the recommendation of the investigation we will surely take action,” said Sepotokela. – Sapa