KNYSNA NEWS - A 48-year-old man from White Location, Zimasile Xokozela, sustained injuries to both legs after falling into a broken manhole on Wednesday 1 October.
The incident occurred at about 08:25 on the main road in front of Kloppers.
According to a witness, the cover of the manhole - which is about one metre deep - was in place, but was broken and structurally compromised.
"The broken cover looks like concrete from the outside but has fibres on the inside, which you could see where it broke," she explained.
The witness continued to support Xokozela after the incident and communicated with Knysna-Plett Herald on his behalf, as he does not own a cellphone.
Infrastructure safety
"I was on my way to Oakhill School when I saw the man fall into the manhole. He managed to pull himself out, and a very lovely gentleman assisted him and stayed until the ambulance arrived," she said.
She passed the area again about five minutes later and still saw Xokozela lying on the ground.
The ambulance reportedly arrived at 09:20, nearly an hour after the fall.
It has been alleged that the faulty manhole cover had been reported to Knysna Municipality numerous times, and that the cover had been replaced at least four times due to recurring issues.
Residents have expressed growing concern about the safety of public infrastructure in the area. These residents also reported another manhole in the vicinity of Kloppers which allegedly poses a safety risk.
Xokozela is reportedly unable to work for the next two months due to the injuries he sustained.
It is further alleged that he received a doctor's letter referring him to the municipality regarding a potential compensation claim, as the incident occurred in a public area. Knysna Municipality has not commented on the compensation claim.
In an official response, the municipality confirmed that the matter was reported to its customer care unit.
"The area was cordoned off immediately, and only the manhole lid required replacement, which has since been completed," said Christopher Bezuidenhout, municipal communications officer.
A temporary yellow barrier was erected around the manhole after the incident. Photos:Supplied
"Manhole covers are designed to have a long lifespan and are typically only opened for maintenance when blockages occur, as stormwater systems are self-flushing. Inspections are conducted on an ad-hoc basis as issues arise."
The public may lodge service requests or complaints through any of the following channels:
- Email: Send your complaint to customercare@knysna.gov.za
- Mobile app: Download the Collab Citizen mobile app for free from the Apple or Android app stores.
- Phone: Call the municipality on 044 302 6300, or visit its website,www.knysna.gov.za where you can find direct department numbers under the section "Contact us".
- Mail: Write to PO Box 21, Knysna, 6570.
- In person: Visit your nearest municipal office.
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
